Preparing for Change

Whether it be planned or unexpected, change is one of the most difficult life experiences to deal with for most living beings - humans especially. I have worked in many fields including Addiction and Recovery, Palliative and Hospice Care, and in hospital settings as both an Addiction Counselor and Chaplain. I have heard many stories of regret related to change at both the end stages of life and in addiction and recovery settings. Change, even if for the best for us, is difficult and challenging. Accepting this as a reality up front will definitely help to support your plans for next steps in your creative self-development journey. Although my primary service is to support you in re-creating your life stories and self-development, stepping into the truth of who you are requires a form of change (hence the summary below). Changing perspective on your current identity requires an open willingness to let go of the old and outdated. As a Doctor of Natural Medicine, I have also heard stories of painful and chronic illness where individuals feared letting go of that identity because although painful and potentially fatal, the thought of letting go of that identity was even more terrifying.

I have developed the summarizing questions below to assist you in preparing for possible challenges that may arise when creating change in your life and as you step into a new self-created truth and reality. My hope is that the following questions and considerations prove to be helpful and supportive.

- Dr. Artina Ray, BD, DNM, DSM, M.Div, CAS, O.C., HHP

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1. What do you want to change? Why?

2. What might the consequences in your life be with this change?

3. What challenges might you face in stepping towards this change? List them out one-by-one. What do they look like? What do they feel like? What makes them challenges?

4. What is stopping you from this change?

5. What are you afraid of?

6. What strengths are needed to step into this change?

7. What strengths do you have to help with this change?

8. What have others suggested you do to make this change?

9. Who in your life supports this change?

10. What is the worst that could happen if you didn't make this change?

11. What is the best that could happen if you make this change?

12. What do you have to give up or what might you lose by making this change? Often times, change comes with consequences including the loss of friends, relationships, monetary items, and finances.

13. One a scale of 1-10, rate your willingness to make this change (be honest with yourself) - what do you need and what do you want? Is what you want something you really want or is it something someone else wants for you? Who wants this for you and why?

Imagine the change is in place...

What does it feel like?

Are you happy with this change?

Does this change influence your perception of yourself?

Who supports your change?

What have you gained/lost with this change?

Make a list of descriptive words related to the before and after of this change.

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Meet Dr. Artina Ray

Meditation & Prayer for Change

I now freely choose to release and let go of that which no longer serves my highest good. I trust in divine guidance and loving support to direct my path towards my hearts deepest desires. I accept that I am worthy of joy, liberation, and freedom and release myself from the limitation of fear. Right here and right now, I refuse to accept suffering, sadness, despair, suffering, or pain as normal. Right here and right now, I choose to step into the truth of who I am as a Divinely inspired creation of Light which is deserving and worthy of inner peace and pleasure. With clear vision, I see infinite possibilities of goodness. With an open heart, I willingly accept my personal truth as authentic and pure. With a clear mind, I choose to trust in my higher knowing and intuition and free myself from the illusions of lack, pain, and fear. My words are powerful. My words are heard and acted upon. My words of affirmation are activated and change is in motion. I now release and let go in peace, gratitude, and appreciation. Amen. And So It Is. Blessed Be.

- Dr. Artina Ray

Dr. Artina Ray is available to support you through your next steps into creating change. Click on the button below if you would like to schedule a discounted rate one-on-one hour session with Dr. Artina Ray to discuss what you may have learned about yourself while going through the "preparing for change" questionnaire or to learn more about what you may be able to do as you continue to prepare for creating long-lasting change in your life.

Once you click on the button below, you will be taken to a form to RSVP a one-on-one session with Dr. Artina Ray. Be sure to select "Counseling Services" and then select "One-on-One Stepping into Change" option for this appointment. Thank you.

One-One-One with Dr. Artina Ray