This season, I’m walking through my own change. After decades of working in an organisation that’s shaped my days and friendships, I’m facing the possibility of redundancy. It’s unsettling, yes, but I’m choosing to see it as an open door rather than a closed one. This is because in every change, there’s a whisper of opportunity. A chance to reimagine, to grow, and to rediscover what makes life sweet.

One of the most grounding lessons I’ve learned is this: we can only control what’s in our gift. The rest – uncertainty, decisions made by others, outcomes we can’t predict – is not our burden to carry. So instead of spiralling into worry and stress, I’m practicing presence. I’m focusing on what I can do: nurturing my wellbeing, connecting with loved ones, and staying open to possibility.

🕊️ Connect with others – share your experience with a friend or online community. Change feels less daunting when it’s witnessed.

Experts agree that coping with change begins with acknowledging how we feel, then gently guiding our focus toward the present moment. Rather than peering too far into an uncertain future, it’s often more nurturing to stay close to the day-to-day, to notice what’s within our reach right now. If you’re feeling unsettled by a shift in your life, try asking yourself: what’s one small thing I can do today that brings comfort or clarity? Perhaps it’s a walk through crunchy leaves, a quiet cup of tea with a friend, or jotting down three things you’re grateful for. These simple acts may seem small, but they steady us – they remind us that even in times of change, we can still choose calm.

🌸 Write a daily reflection – jot down one sentence about how you feel, one thing you’re grateful for, and one small intention for the day.

Change often unsettles our routines, but it also opens the door to new ones – quiet rituals that help us feel grounded amidst uncertainty. Psychologists suggest that maintaining a sense of structure – through regular meals, gentle movement, or morning habits – can offer steadiness when everything else feels in flux. For me, comfort often comes in the form of a walk through nature, especially now as summer softens into autumn. I like to look at the trees as they begin their slow transformation, shifting from lush green to golden hues, their leaves catching the light like embers. Each one that falls feels like a whispered reminder: letting go is not a loss, but a graceful step toward renewal.

🌿 Take a walk in nature – notice seasonal shifts; leaves changing colour, birdsong changing, the scent of damp earth. Being outdoors can help you feel more grounded and remind you that change is a natural part of life.

Even when life feels uncertain, there are constants: the kindness of a colleague, the comfort of a favourite song, the joy of baking something simple and sweet. These are our anchors. And when we name them, we remind ourselves that not everything is changing. Some things remain beautifully familiar.

Reframing is a quietly powerful tool. Rather than viewing change as a loss, we can choose to see it as part of our evolution – a natural unfolding of who we’re becoming. By focusing on what we can control and nurturing a more hopeful perspective, we begin to feel steadier, more resilient, and capable. It’s not about brushing past the hard parts or pretending they don’t exist. It’s about meeting them with compassion, then gently turning toward possibility – allowing space for a more positive mindset to take root.

💛 Make a comfort list – write down 10 things that soothe you – books, scents, songs, places. Turn to it when uncertainty feels overwhelming and you need a reminder of what helps you feel better.