Book Review: ‘How to Survive

Change You Didn’t Ask For’

During the study process to be a scholar, there are many possible changing conditions and circumstances that student cannot be able to reject, such as, the changing of academic system, span money because of family ability, one of beloved family members passed away, changes the prices of daily necessities and many other changes that can not be rejected. Every change has an impact on someone whether it is a happy or sad change. The life change that gives much burden in life requires smart ability to adapt, so that one will not wreck down and difficult to rise up.

The review of the book having 5 chapters entitled "How to Survive Change You Did not Ask For" (10.10.2017) by Elizabeth Uru Ndaya helps students to know some tips how to react appropriately and to survive because of unwanted changes. This book was written by M.J. Ryan, a motivator and an initiator of Random Acts of Kindness from the New York Time. Some other books she wrote are The Power of Patience, The Happiness Makeover, and Attitudes of Gratitude, and many other motivational books. In her book, the author offers how to get out from suffering more quickly by preparing the right mindset and attitude. First, when a changing happens we must accept it with a big heart. Second, if we have been able to accept it, then we begin to develop options that can be chosen as the right solution to solve the problems. Most people failed to face changing because they are not able to develop options and using old options, so they are gulped by the changes. Third, once we find the right options and chose a solution, we have to take action to get out from the problem. Fourth, soon after we have made an action, we must reinforce our adaptability so we will be able to predict the changes that will happen and then take the right position to deal with it.

Some of the twenty tips offered in chapter four are: speaking personally to God that you believe about the burdens, not staying alone but finding friends, or doing interaction with happy people to get positive energy, etc.

The discussion participated by thirteen people is actually a start of the Survival Competency program which will be held in November. There are some stories that participants told how they survive with problems. Maritjie shared, "Two weeks ago there was a Facebook account that published satirical postings by re-copying one status I wrote. I was panicked at first and confused but when I began to be able to handle myself well, the problem can be solved gradually".  Sari also told her incident, "While I was in the process of doing campus tasks with just two-day deadline, someone stole my laptop. It's very hard time actually, however instead of complaining and grumbling, it's better to find a solution to finish the tasks on time".

The book review was ended with a closing statement from Elis, "Whatever happens in life, be sure that we are able to deal with it, because we have more power than the problems that we have to bear. (SAP).