Reluctant acceptance of change. Man I love to pout. I love to stew. I am so good at moping. And it’s usually always centered around something changing without my say. And then after sufficient time of making sure it has been well documented I’m not happy with what’s happening, I find a way to get on board.

I almost always come around. I almost always recognize my moping has not stopped the change from occurring. And yet, time after time, I drag my feet in the face of change.

For a long time I excused this behavior. I explained that this was my process. This was how I was able to embrace change, get on board. But the truth is, the process stinks. It usually makes me look ridiculous and it causes strife with those around me.

I’m not suggesting we can’t grieve a change. But I am suggesting we do it with class and grace. Constructive Mourning is what I suggest. Find a safe and appropriate way to give yourself some space to grieve without punishing those around you.

What does this look like for me? I usually first ask myself what about the change is really bothering me. Then I ask myself, am I able to share this with someone (most likely my husband) without dumping or fighting. Can this lead to a constructive conversation? And finally, I withhold fatalistic mindsets (example: “this will ruin everything”).

Does it always work? No. But it does help.