Dear Carrie:

Yes, first, be aware, learn from this experience and avoid such 180 degree changes, or any changes that are too great for you to  be comfortable enough to withstand. Over time you can increase your comfort level with change, but it is an over a long time objective. Be aware and when you consider this or that change, think: this may be too much of a change for me. And minimize the change, make a change in one little area, not in two or more areas at the same time.

Notice how you feel when confronted with change: anxious, confused, angry- all natural reactions. See to it that you don’t et your anger destroy relationships. Practice some self discipline in regard to the expressions of your anger.

Basically, take the hand of the little-girl-Carrie and do for her what your parents didn’t- give her reasonable limits, boundaries, and hold her hand when moving through one little change at a time, stopping once in a while for a hug, a non-harmful distraction (hot tea, hot shower, a brisk walk, etc.)

anita