Ever feel like you’re trapped inside a snow globe and someone turned it over and gave it a good shake? When I’m not choosing a new adventure and my world turns upside down anyway, it can be very unnerving. It’s a good time to sit down and check in with myself. What part of me is confident we can weather the storm, and what part of me is upset?

 We all have many facets to our personalities, and for me, it is often the little girl within who doesn’t like things to change. She likes to know that everything is OK, and that someone is looking out for her. When things get a little crazy, and I start feeling anxious, it isn’t the “large and in-charge” part of me that is acting up; it is the insecure little one who starts shouting for attention.                               

 While my adult mind is saying,”We’ll get through this, keep calm. Attend to what’s most important,” the little one (or ones) inside are shouting “What’s happening? I hate this! Make it be like it was before!” It’s like trying to drive down the street when the kids are screaming and fighting in the backseat. In that case we need to pull over and talk to the ones making all of the racket. Once everyone has been heard, we can restore order.

When I do have the wisdom to tune in, and give the insecure parts of me a chance to express their fears, the feeling of chaos usually subsides.  I have a couple of tools that I’ve found useful to do this. Journaling is a good way to let the little girl speak up.  I write down questions and then write down her answers. Another tool I find useful when my clients are stuck, or overwhelmed with anxiety, is Voice Dialogue, which allows all aspects of a personality to be heard. Giving voice to these different aspects usually is calming and allows the whole of me to move to a new level of flexibility and resourcefulness.  

 So, if change is shaking up your world, take time to listen to your little one. Trying to ignore her just escalates the intensity of her anxiety.  If you give her voice, she’ll help you stay in balance and you’ll enjoy a more peaceful journey (even if it is upside down in a snowstorm).