New beginnings are often disguised as painful endings.Lao Tzu

Change is something that impacts us all during our lives. It can be beautiful and scary, a roller coaster ride of emotions. Life, death, grief, pain—at times all of these can be overwhelming. But just because it’s hard doesn’t mean it’s impossible.

The recent passing of my father, Daniel Joseph Addis, has launched me into a season of complete change. Day by day, moment by moment, I’m hurting, wondering what tomorrow will bring. But at the same time, I’m focusing on healing and being happy.

My father wrote the first post on the Mary Ann Life Blog in its infancy: Death Is Not the End- We Live Eternally. I’m reading and re-reading his words. One phrase, in particular, penetrates me:

You’re strong enough to face it all even if it doesn’t feel like it now. If you’re looking to learn how to take on life’s challenges and make sense of it all, tune in to the latest episode on the Really Personal Podcast, where we will explore how to pace yourself during a season of unexpected change.

Daddy and me during a beautiful sunset in Tumaco, Colombia

How to pace yourself during a season of change

1. You don’t have to cross everything off your to-do list in one day. You’re allowed to take your time.
2. Follow the patterns of your energy, listen to your body, and do what you can when you can. 
3. Give yourself permission to “feel your feelings”. Don’t let anyone tell you how you should feel.
4. Don’t try to suppress your grief. Acknowledge your pain.
5. Avoid negative behavior that can harm your health. (i.e. drugs or alcohol abuse).
6. Set a small exercise goal each day. Get your body moving. Get the endorphins flowing and your frustrations out.
7. When feeling tired, give yourself a break. It’s not a setback. Even marathon runners take some time to walk, hydrate, and refocus on the task at hand.
8. From time to time, take a deep breath, and indulge in something that you love and that restores your soul.
9. Express your feelings to others (i.e. friends, family, church members, therapist, or partner).
10. A reset is not only beneficial but necessary. Take time away so that you can come back to your work with fire in your bones to chase after your goals and conquer the hard things. 
11. Express your feelings in creative ways (i.e. journaling, painting, drawing, writing, singing, etc.)
12. Plan ahead for grief “triggers” (holidays, anniversaries, or birthdays). Ask family and friends for extra support. 

So even now in a season that is hard and feels like an uphill climb, you’re capable- again and again. You and I were made to do the hard things. What you’re looking for is not out there. It is in you.