We’ve been going through some really big changes in the Carillo household of late and it has been rather stressful.
It has sucked the blogging juices right out of me.
Change in itself can scare people.
“Just give me what I know, I’m comfortable here,” is what most of us gravitate towards in life.
Taking risks and moving forward leads to richer lives and better opportunities.
Moving through fear is the hardest but by far the most rewarding thing we can do.

You’re not ever going to feel like doing it, you simply have to force yourself.
There is never an ideal time for life changes.
They show up on their own schedule and we must surrender ourselves to them. We cannot control the ebbs and flows of our life, but we can control how we react to them.
I like to think of it as keeping my face towards the sunshine. Yes, it will be difficult, but in the end, I will be a stronger, happier person. I will have learned things about myself and added another layer to the essence that has made me the person I am today.
To cope with the stress I’ve been taking extra long walks with the pug and making sure I get in my yoga stretches every night. I think I need to increase the yoga and add on some meditation just for good measure. I’m still a novice at the whole meditating thing but I do find it relaxes my mind and helps me quiet the fears that bubble up. Getting back into running wouldn’t be a bad thing either. A sound body often produces a sound mind.
How do you cope when big changes come along?
Of course it depends on the particulars of the change but as much as I’d like to think I can “roll with it ” I just don’t seem to be built that way. So, I start by ruminating, I don’t sleep well, I’m grumpy and grappling with the lack of balance. If there’s work to be done toward making the change happen I may procrastinate a bit.
Eventually I move in the direction of accepting the inevitable. I’ve been working out (Yoga, resistance bands, stationary bike, treadmill) regularly for 4 years. That doesn’t stop despite whatever change I’m dealing with. I think it’s helpful to have some continuity as you grapple with the change. I DEFINITELY think you’re on the right track with Yoga. The physical exertion required helps to relieve tension and promote sleep. I haven’t been successful with making meditation a part of my habits but would like to.
Whatever your situation Suzanne I wish you well as you move “forward” and focus on being in the NOW. Life and change are moment by moment , so if you can focus on that perhaps the change won’t seem so overwhelming.
I’ll be cheering you on!
ok, girl, here it is, there are no juices being suck out from what I see. this outfit is far too amazing, with the dots, paisley, the boots, and owl bag, and that serene smile,
you sure do not look stressed!
But I hear you, deep breaths, really, long walks, out doors, listening to an audible book with a great narrator, a bubble bath with lavender epsom salts,
and knowing that the people you love are real-
and really love you.
Whatever it is, shall pass, but i wish you strength, in the meantime.
xx, Elle
http://www.theellediaries.com/blog/
Change is hard. I’m “a bit” of a control freak, so unexpected change is particularly hard… I’m sorry that you are going through a difficult time, but I love that you are taking care of yourself! That’s so important. And you look beyond wonderful! Fabulous outfit!
Andrea
Andrea’s Wellness Notes
Oh yeah, change shakes us up, and I love your writing that you’re keeping your face to the sun. So well said. Change gives us opportunities to grow and stretch, or get super-anxious (that’s my usual go-to). Peaceful vibes to you, my friend. Also, looking fabulous! xox
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
I think we all need an anchor in our lives, something that settles us, grounds us, lifts our hearts. For me, it’s my swimming. I’m so lucky to live by the sea and have somewhere safe to swim. But previously I did a whole lot of running. I found the sound of my breathing and the beat of my feet pounding along created a moving meditation which is the sanctuary we all benefit from. Yoga is wonderful for that and even though I only go once a week, it really is such a positive way to relax and yet expand my well being. You know all the things that could help, all you have to do it keep up a regular practise and the benefits will be a constant too.
Have a lovely week Suzanne x
Anna
http://www.annasislandstyle.com
Well, dressing well and looking fabulous is often a good pick-me-up. And clearly you are practising this to the max. Love this outfit, especially with that owl bag.
How do I cope? Sleeeep, bad food. Reading. Art therapy, sometimes including writing. And yer basic freaking out, obsessing. Ideally I think a spa in a sunny location would work a treat, and a winning lotto ticket. Hahaha!
I think Zoe is good therapy and everything else you mentioned. I must get back into a fitness routine. Those endorphins are awesome and free. Change helps us grow – I mean, is there any other option?
sooo fabulous! xxx
stylentonic.com
I’m not a great change girl even though I’d like to think I should be able to handle it. Maybe I do on the outside, but it kills me on the inside.
Good for you for the exercise…I think that does help me too. Just last night before bed, I took some time to do stretching and I slept fantastic—of course it could be a coincidence, but I’ll try it more often!
Sending lots of love your way.
I might have to send this post to my mom because of that owl bag—but under no amount of pleading should you sell it to her! She has too many purses already!!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I hope the stressfull periode will soon be over for you! I dont like changes, they give me stress and that reflex on my bad lungs. But I always try to stay positive. But you are still looking very beautiful and stylish!
Big changes . . . I try not to “borrow worry”. You can plan and accept but until something happens there’s not a lot of point to stressing out. That is my logical, official stance. My emotional and body response is anxiety and lower back issues manifesting my suppressed freak-out. Meds and yoga work for me. Long walks in my church, the woods and being in the moment.
Hope all goes smoothly. <3
Yes, dear Suzanne, changes are what we fear most – I supposed, in general – and what makes us grow. You are doing it right, walking seems to be good and with your lovely pug, even better! You look so beautiful, dear Suzanne, I loved the hat, the booties, the bag – sooo sweet, an owl! Well, how I cope with changes… if the change is only for me, it depends. 5 years ago there was a big awful change in my life. One that I tried to recover, ad I think I did it well… but when it affects other people, hurting people, then I normally prefer to sacrifice myself – not dramatic, but true – to cause pain to other people. I am in one of these situations now. I tell you, not very happy about that, but better to feel this way than to see other people suffering because of my decisions – and I wouldn’t be happy anyway then 🙂 Hope you have a very nice week!
DenisesPlanet.com
Sounds like you’re handling this change in the best possible way. Getting outdoors and exercising has always been my go to medicine. And when that isn’t working, you call Trina and book a trip here?❤️
Sending great big bear hugs to you and that massive courage of yours. Sharon Salzburg is a particular favorite meditation guide I like to listen to in moments like these. She helps me tap into that bigger fabric of life so I can see the big picture and be brave and honest and strong.
And if it helps any, strong lady, you look fabulous.
Hugs,
Sherry
http://www.petiteover40.com
Hope everything is ok. Having just gone through a year of really big changes, I can tell you that getting outside, and exercising, helps tremendously with stressful days. I think meditating is a fabulous idea, and one I need to try!
You look fabulous which is no mean feat when there’s change afoot.
Change can be exciting and fun, it helps you re-evaluate and focus on what’s important. Often it’s the motivation to get the wheels in motion that is the hardest part, once the machine starts rolling you just have to jump on board and enjoy the ride.
I throw myself into a project. Dressmaking is wonderful, it helps me focus my mind on the task in hand and my excess energy is used to good effect, to make something beautiful. xxx
Be kind to yourself.
Reflect.
Surround yourself with positivity.
All the luck in the world to you xx
Change can be terrifying and exciting at the same time, and it is the only constant in life. I have a bit of the “control freak” in me, so change can be very daunting, and it is necessary to have ways to cope when things start to feel out of control. Trying to focus on the positive aspects of the change (if you can find any) will help, and walks with pugs and yoga will help to keep you centered and calm; better able to handle what’s coming.
I think I don’t deal that well with change. Even though it is in my character to say : “OK that is in the past, so no worries about that”. I can do that, even after scary events. But worrying about things ahead.. I am good at that. Or rather: I am bad at that. All sorts of scenarios cross my mind and they are never positive. A translated saying: you suffer more from suffering you fear is ahead than the suffering you go through when it arrives. And when it arrives, it is always so different from what you thought it would be.
Still knowing this, doesn’t make me say: “Oh well, then I won’t worry about it anymore”. But yes. meditation, keeping your thoughts under control and putting a stop to useless, bad thoughts is what you need. Meditation and yoga are probably the right instruments.
Sending you lots of virtual strength my dear.
At least you look awesome.
Greetje
Self-care is even more important I find when it gets stressy. Eating well, exercise, daylight, social interaction and enough sleep are priorities. Funny how when time is squeezed they can be the first thing to want to drop! I hope this ebb moves along soon for you.