Now, turning to your personal and professional experience, what have been the most helpful approaches you have taken to cope with change and transitions (that is, what has been most useful to you

-- Michael Berney (mberney@tmn.com), August 17, 1999

Answers

Most helpful has been -- don't let anything overwhelm you. Take a step back every once in a while and put things back in perspective. When there's a snafu (and it's bound to happen occasionally) break a few pencils, use a few choice words, and keep on going. And never never forget to laugh.

-- Mary Wieczorek (Mary_Wieczorek@ck2.uscourts.gov), August 20, 1999.

I smile a great deal and tell myself that this change will be good for all involved and will improve our way of working. I convince myself that changes and transitions are a way of life that we all have to deal with from time to time.

-- Flay Sambrone-Metoyer (Flay_Sambrone-Metoyer@laed.uscourts.gov), August 25, 1999.

I try to look at transitions as opportunities and adventures, not threats. Everyone has something about themselves or their lives that they would like to change, even if they are opposed to (or fearful of) change and by looking at transitions (changes) as opportunities gives one the ability to do just that. Also, I find that if I immerse myself in something I don't have time to fret and the little details will work themselves out. Therefore, I tend to "jump right in" and deal with the situation. If I let something go, it just builds and builds and creates an "emotional monster".

-- Patricia L. Kowalski (Trish_Kowalski@CA3.USCourts.gov), September 22, 1999.

One of the most helpful approaches I have used to cope with change is a good sense of humor and a positive attitude. Change is inevitable, and in order to deal with all the changes and transitions that occur in life, you have to be able to accept those changes and feel that they are for the best. Also, our chambers have had wonderful support from the other judges's chambers and court personnel.

-- Diane R. Rimkis (drrimkis@nynd.uscourts.gov), December 23, 1999.