In this lesson we’ll talk about how we deal with change, you’ll learn vocabulary related to changes in life through listening and reading.
Warm up
Think about this question and write the answer in your student’s log.
How did you deal with these changes in your life?
Starting a new school, starting your first job, moving to a new house or city, the change in season, getting a new boss.
Scanning
Scan the script of the podcast episode Embracing Change and Moving Forward, and notice all of the bold words, try to deduct their meaning by the context.
Script
Welcome back to the show! Today, we’re talking about something we all experience but don’t always know how to handle: change. Whether it’s moving to a new city, switching careers, or navigating personal growth, change is inevitable. But how we cope with it is key to moving forward.
First, let’s talk about acceptance. Before anything else, you must learn to accept the reality of change. Resisting it only leads to frustration. We all know someone who can’t take it when the tide shifts. Maybe they cling to old habits or feel overwhelmed by the unknown. But here’s the thing: resisting change won’t stop it. Instead, it hinders your ability to move forward. Accepting change is the first step forward toward growth.
Once you’ve accepted it, the next challenge is to adapt. Adapting to new circumstances doesn’t mean you have to lose yourself; it’s about finding ways to evolve within the new environment. Often, people underestimate how flexible and resourceful they truly are. You are far more capable of adjusting to new situations than you might think.
Of course, change can be frightening. Many of us are frightened of the unknown because it feels like losing control. But that fear can be overcome. When faced with tough transitions, it’s essential to get a grip on your emotions. Feeling anxious or uncertain is normal, but those feelings shouldn’t paralyze you. Acknowledge them, but don’t let them dominate your actions.
Now, what happens when you’re knee-deep in a life change and feeling stuck? One of the most effective strategies is to tackle it head-on. Break it down into smaller, manageable steps. Don’t try to solve everything at once. That way, you can start to cope with the situation more effectively and feel like you’re making progress, no matter how small.
It’s important to note that getting through change isn’t always easy. It can be painful, and you might feel like you’re barely hanging on at times. But remember: you will get through it. Change, no matter how difficult, doesn’t last forever, and the feelings you experience will evolve over time.
Another key point is to welcome change when you can. While some changes feel forced upon us, others can be opportunities for growth. By welcoming change instead of fighting it, you can discover new passions, meet new people, and even find a better version of yourself.
Finally, don’t underestimate the strength that comes from embracing change. Not only are you capable of handling it, but with the right mindset, change can be the catalyst that pushes you toward something better.
To wrap things up: Accept the change, adapt to it, tackle challenges, and, most importantly, give yourself credit for what you’re capable of. Even when you feel like you can’t handle it, you’re stronger than you think. Change doesn’t have to be a burden—it can be a path toward something truly great.
Thanks for tuning in, and remember, the next time life throws you a curveball, embrace it. You’ve got this!
Click on the bold words to see their meaning in the dictionary.
Shadowing
Listen to the podcast Embracing Change and Moving Forward, and repeat what the speaker says to practice pronunciation and fluency.
You can listen while reading the script if you need it.
Language in context
move forward – is to overcome a situation in order to improve or get going with our lives.
break it down – means to divide something into smaller pieces to make it more easy or manageable.
being knee-deep – it means that we have a lot or big problems
head-on – means face something directly
hanging on – figuratively to hold on to something
wrap something up – to finish something
curveball – used figuratively, is when unexpected or unwanted things happen in life.
Your turn!
Tell us in the comments, a time when you faced a big life change, use the «language in context» expressions as well as the other words you learned today.