Accepting Change (Planned or Otherwise)

John Bradley "JJ" Jackson

26 Oct 2025 • 1 min read

Change is universal. Sometimes we see it coming; sometimes it knocks us flat. Either way, it shows up for everyone.

The past is prologue (a line from William Shakespeare's play The Tempest) but it’s gone. The only real option is to let go, greet what’s here, and move forward.

Accepting change isn’t about approval. Approval means giving permission or saying something is okay. In contrast, acceptance means being okay with something or someone as they are, even if you don’t agree. Approval is a judgment; acceptance is an openness.

Acceptance is a process composed of three things: recognition, re-framing, and action.

Recognition

Acknowledge it. Say, “Yep, this is actually happening.”
Understand it. Learn what’s shifting and why (if possible).
Prepare for it. Plan what you can.

Re-framing

Find the upside. Look for growth. This may be hard.
Feel it. Don’t bottle emotions. It is okay to feel the pain.
Stay flexible. Let go of the old. Burn the old script.

Take Action

Start small. Try one new thing today.
Set new goals. Aim forward for tomorrow, next month and next year.
Ask for help. Don’t go it alone. Know that others may be helpful at times like this.
Own it. Shape the change when you can. Write it down. Tell others.

It is cliche to say that change is the only constant. Okay, I said it again. The smart move isn’t fighting it. Greet it with clarity, courage, and a little optimism.

P.S. Change can be a natural part of life which we know is coming. This might be graduation, retirement, or aging. Other times, change catches us totally off guard such as a car accident, loss of a loved one, or job loss.