Once in a while, something happens in our daily routine that truly challenges our ability to manage change in our lives: a severe illness, the loss of a loved one, the ending of a relationship, a major change in the work environment, a new career, etc. That’s what I experienced when I first encountered a severe case of tinnitus. It was a very threatening situation. As I lost control of my business and personal activities, I felt I lost control of my life.
One of the most important elements in my process has been my emphasis on what a close friend of mine said: “That which you focus upon, you strengthen.”
With time, I have developed a series of strategies to adjust to the new circumstances. Now I’m able to see the situation as a creative challenge rather than as an overwhelming obstacle.

How did I make this transition?

Stage I. Confronting New Reality. When I first encountered tinnitus, I experienced an initial phase of rejection and denial — I didn’t want to believe things had changed.
Stage II. Uncertainty. For ten weeks, I went through a stage of chaos and confusion, with high emotional stress — I didn’t know what to do.
Stage III. Rebuilding. Then I realized I needed to move ahead, so I started developing a series of strategies to create a new identity, new goals, and to some extent, a new future.

Each stage provided me with insights that became a step forward in developing new strategies. Here’s what has been useful to me.

Stage I. Confronting New Reality

• Get involved in a low risk, high reward commitment.
• Reach out for ideas and support.
• Give it time.
• Stay in touch with own thoughts and feelings.
• Exercise.
• Implement practical measures and test how they work.
• Seek out information.
• Focus forward rather than backward.
• Stay in contact with family and friends.
• Re-examine daily activities and see how they fit into new circumstances.

Stage II. Uncertainty

• Strengthen meaningful relationships.
• Do small things well.
• Test talents in new areas.
• Learn at each new step.
• Read.
• Listen to favorite music.
• List strengths.
• Celebrate small achievements.
• Revisit old goals.
• Keep moving!
• Expand a hobby.
• Initiate a daily period for reflection/meditation.
• Don’t act just for the sake of action.
• Develop new ideas.
• Transform ideas into action.
• Relax and think.

Stage III. Rebuilding

• Visualize success.
• Choose new pattern before a routine establishes itself.
• Keep open communication with meaningful people about feelings, plans.
• Set new priorities.
• Think creatively – brainstorm.
• Establish new goals.
• List accomplishments.
• Notice the difference – and celebrate progress.
• Use time effectively.
• Continue assessing interests.
• Remember it is a process – it takes time for results.
• Be aware of new stress factors.
• Be optimistic – there is always hope.
• List needed adjustments.
• Communicate needs.
• Realize plans can change as situation changes.
• See strategies to manage new circumstances as sources of strength.

Focus is Manifestation – that is, how you think is what will be – is my approach to life. As a result, tinnitus does not control my life anymore, and I now have a great sense of well-being.
I know that whatever I experience is a privilege, an opportunity to understand life better, to know who I am and where I’m heading — an opportuny for transcendence.