Today, we’re tackling a topic that is hitting many of us hard in 2025: chronic change. This year is already shaping up to be one of ongoing upheaval, and for many, it feels like the mantra of the year is change, change, and more change.
Whether you’re dealing with the aftermath of natural disasters like the LA fires, political unrest, or personal upheaval, chronic change can leave you feeling unsettled and powerless. Even when these events don’t directly impact us, they can trigger emotional responses—fear, overwhelm, and grief—simply from watching the news or hearing about them.
So how do we cope? How do we embrace change while honoring the past and staying present? This is what we’re exploring today. If you’re navigating a life transition, facing upheaval, or feeling emotionally exhausted by constant shifts, this conversation is for you.
Why Change Feels So Difficult
Change disrupts our sense of stability. We’re creatures of habit—we crave routine, predictability, and control. When events shake those foundations, whether it’s due to climate disasters, political tensions, or personal struggles, our natural reaction is resistance.
However, resisting change can amplify its emotional toll. It’s easy to get stuck in what was, making it even harder to move forward. But here’s the hopeful truth: by working with change instead of against it, we can build strength, resilience, and meaning even in difficult times.
The Cost of Resisting Chronic Change
While it’s natural to grieve and struggle, prolonged resistance can lead to:
Emotional Burnout – Holding onto what we can’t control drains our energy.
Missed Growth Opportunities – Staying stuck in the past prevents adaptation.
Fractured Relationships – Isolation and withdrawal can deepen feelings of loneliness.
Prolonged Stress and Anxiety – Resistance keeps us in a heightened state of tension.
Adapting to change doesn’t mean liking or agreeing with it—it means finding ways to live meaningfully despite it.
Coping Strategies for Chronic Change
If you’re struggling with chronic change, here are some practical ways to navigate it:
Build a Grounding RoutineCreate small, predictable rituals—deep breathing, morning journaling, or a daily walk—to anchor yourself amid uncertainty.
Practice Self-ExpressionUse meditation, journaling, or breathwork to process emotions without judgment.
Find Community SupportIsolation intensifies helplessness. Seek support groups, trusted friends, or online communities to remind yourself you’re not alone.
Focus on the Present MomentMindfulness techniques help shift your focus from fear of the future to what’s within your control right now.
Acknowledge and GrieveAllow yourself to grieve what’s lost—it’s an essential part of healing.
Practice Radical Self-CompassionTreat yourself with the kindness you’d extend to a friend navigating the same struggles.
Celebrate Small WinsBreak challenges into manageable steps and acknowledge each victory, no matter how small.
Redefine “Home”For those displaced by crises, home can be reimagined as a feeling of safety, a connection with loved ones, or a daily grounding practice.
Help OthersVolunteering and acts of kindness can provide meaning and strengthen community bonds during difficult times.
Embracing and Honoring Change
Adapting to change doesn’t mean forgetting the past—it means carrying it with you in a way that serves your future.
Reframe Change as Growth – Ask, “What can I learn from this?”
Create New Traditions – Develop rituals that reflect your current reality, such as a gratitude practice or weekly check-ins with loved ones.
Honor the Past – Reflect on the lessons and experiences that shaped you. Write them down, create a memory book, or simply take a moment to acknowledge their impact.
Final Thoughts & Mindfulness Practice
Let’s take a moment to pause. If you’re in a safe space, try this:
Take a deep breath in… and out.
Think about a recent change in your life. What emotions come up? Let them surface without judgment.
With your next breath, say to yourself: I am capable of adapting. I am strong enough to face this.
Slowly return your focus to the present moment.
Remember, you don’t have to navigate change perfectly. Progress, not perfection, is the goal.
You Are Not Alone
Change is hard, but it’s also a doorway to growth—even when it feels unwelcome. Honor your past, embrace your future, and lean into your support system.
For more guidance on navigating dark times, grief, and emotional overwhelm, check out my book, Reasons to Live (link in the description). This resource offers strategies for working through life’s toughest moments.
And as always, know that you are not alone. You have the strength to embrace what’s ahead, one step at a time. You are not powerless. Every small action—creating a routine, seeking support, or simply taking a deep breath—is a step toward resilience.
I’m here to remind you, I care about you.
If you found this message helpful, please share it with someone who might need encouragement today. And remember—take care of yourself, because you deserve it.
With love and support,
Juliana J
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