Moving and Other Changes Can Be Positive

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Sometimes changes are viewed as negative. Indeed, change can indicate loss. However, the Chinese symbol (character) for change includes two parts—one meaning danger and one standing for opportunity. When there is much publicity to the losses happening to people, it is easy to forget that there are opportunities inherent in those very losses. Thus, each change may present an opportunity to grow, develop, and move in directions which were not apparent earlier.

For instance, when a family moves from a home, community and/or occupation, there may be much grieving for the possible loss of friends and familiar surroundings. There should be equal opportunity to spend time looking forward to the advantages which will come with the move. The new physical structure will bring with it opportunities to assess needs and wishes of the family members. Patterns which were uncomfortable and/or unsuccessful can be changed to provide for the more positive needs of the members. There are advantages to apartment living, or to living in the wide open spaces. If the entire time is given to looking at the losses which will be encountered, the advantages will not be as apparent to the movers.

When the move is to a different town or community, the discovery process of the opportunities available to the family can be an exciting one for all family members. For some, the clothing will be brand new, since these community residents have not seen it before. The family members may choose to become involved in activities which are new to them, and volunteer for different kinds of jobs. A person who was over-committed in the previous community can take his/her time to establish commitments in the new community.

On balance, most families find that changes provide additional stimuli for growth and change—and the losses are more than off-set by the opportunities.

Sue Meyers
University of Minnesota Extension Service

Originally published in April 1985

College of Human Ecology in cooperation with the University of Minnesota Extension Service

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