Change is a word that could bring positive or negative affects to your life. Some people adjust to change better than others — personally, I hate change.

Do I think all change is bad? No, but adjusting to new things in my life is difficult, even if it means a positive outcome.

Throughout my first year of college, the realization of change hit me like a train (no, I didn’t mean for that to rhyme). But sometimes we have no idea why things come and go or stay the same and change.

Life happens without any warning and doing the best you can, can be a challenge. I always grew up being told to not ask God why, but I find myself questioning him more often than I should. Bad things happen to amazing people, I have no answers as to why, but I do know that all changes in life happen for a reason.

Trust God’s plan.

That’s the simplest statement but the hardest thing to do. Trust that he knows what’s best, ultimately, he has everything under control, but we have a tendency to panic when things don’t go our way.

Take a deep breath, say a prayer, and move on with your day. Sometimes things are out of our control because if it were up to us, we’d make the wrong decision.

Lean on your loved ones. The best therapy sessions always happen when I talk to the people who mean the most to me, they have your best interest at heart so the advice and kind words that are given are those that won’t steer you in the wrong direction. Another perspective on change is always a chance to shine some light on your thoughts of why.

Remember that everything happens for a reason.

Whether you believe in God or not, I think everyone can agree that things happen in your life for a reason. Don’t worry about the things in your life that you cannot control. Whatever is going to happen, will happen, no matter how hard you try and stop the change.

Change isn’t always bad.

I moved away for college, that change in my life was overwhelmingly positive, but it wasn’t easy. Change isn’t meant to be easy though, it’s meant to test your limits and make you grow stronger.

The change that’s the hardest to swallow is by far when someone you love changes. When people change it’s usually due to an event or multiple events in their lives. Sometimes that person loses themselves and all you can do is be there for them when they’re ready.

Other times, people realize what’s best for them, and it’s okay if it’s not you. You’re put into someone’s life to make an impact, to help them grow, and if that means helping them find who they are, then your job is done.

I have watched myself grow so much as a person through changes in my life. Adjusting to situations are never easy, but every change in my life has turned into something positive, be patient with your life changes and trust that everything happens for a reason, because it does.