How Do You Cope With Big Life Changes?

Join our new community idea swap! First up: How do you cope with life changes (big or small)? Anita Perry, Sally Krawcheck and Lisa Belkin lead the discussion—and we can’t wait to hear from you too. Share your comments below.

Whenever I go through challenges of any type, I remember some of the important lessons that my father taught me. One of my favorites: ‘Sleep on it; things always look better in the morning.’ So simple. So true. Thank you, Daddy.  As I work through transitions, I always take time for introspection, meditation and prayer. Never underestimate the power of prayer, and the importance of listening for an answer. That’s a key.

—Anita Perry, First Lady of Texas

It seems that, for so many of us, life is a series of transitions. I’ve started jobs, changed jobs, been fired from jobs, changed industries, had a family, nursed my children through health scares. And I believe that the number of transitions we face will only increase, as we live longer and the pace of change increases. I have navigated through my transitions by calling on a profound sense of gratitude. I fully recognize that, only through the accident of birth (and some hard work), I have been blessed with an amazing life. And so I have loved every step of the way. In fact, I tell people that I loved my career so much, I even loved getting fired! (And it’s almost true.)

– Sallie Krawcheck, renowned voice for women on Wall Street and CEO of 85 Broads @SALLIEKRAWCHECK

Transitions are particularly hard when you are out of practice. I spent 30 years working for the same company —The New York Times — and then I left for the Huffington Post. My concerns then were about longevity — how long would this next job last? Was the business model of HP secure? Was my position of whim of the leader, a momentary blip in journalism? I stayed for 2 1/2 years and just left for Yahoo News, which is building a new original reporting team that sounds like a lot of fun. This time I asked no questions about longevity. Que sera and all that. The rest of my career, I realize, will be spent doing the work that seems most interesting at the moment. That is the reality of journalism in particular and life in general.

– Lisa Belkin, senior national correspondent, Yahoo News @LISABELKIN

What strength or skill helps you get through life changes? Let us know in the comments!