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Sometimes it helps to know you’re not the only one. Everyone faces change. There are unique changes that only a small group understand and there are universal changes that everyone tends to experience. As in all things, change isn’t the issue; how you manage change is what’s important. Sometimes just knowing you’re not in it alone makes all the difference.

Some changes that everyone faces are:

• Personal growth and identity
• Family dynamics
• Health and aging

Personal growth and identity: Can you imagine if who you were in middle school defined you for your entire life? What if the mindset and behaviors you had in your twenties never changed as you got older? Can you imagine what life would be like if you never made significant changes? Your personal growth and the way you identify in the world changes throughout your life – thank goodness! Many things influence your personal growth and hone your identity. Some good, some not so much.

Family dynamics: All families change. People marry and some divorce. Kids are born and they grow. Families are functional and some are not. People come and people go. All families face a myriad of change over generations. Being open to change and willing to reinvent yourself each time is key to survival. We’ve all heard the stories of the close-knit families who manage to look like the Waltons or the fragmented families who seem more like the Bundys. Even these fictional families depicted change over time.

Health and aging: “Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many.” – Unknown. Health and aging are a universal equalizer. Even the fittest person peaks at some point and aging makes an impact. Managing a health crisis or simply the subtle and ever-increasing loss of physical, mental, and social aspects of health take their toll on us and those we love. Being able to work with our bodies when they fail us or overcoming an illness – large or small – requires a willingness to adapt and overcome.

Though there are issues out there that small groups of people face, some changes happen to nearly everyone. Take comfort in knowing someone has already been there, someone is there right now, and you’ll be amongst others when you are there, too. Everyone faces challenges – you aren’t alone. There is support and help when you are called to face life’s changes.