It’s finally here – move day.
After weeks of relentless wrapping and packing, it is finally time to pack it all, tie up loose ends and leave. Allow me to put this gently, this is not fun. Moving, going away from the things I have come to know and love is hard. Despite the incredible sense of adventure I am experiencing during this time, I am scared.
Embracing change is not a fun activity. Most people I have come in contact with prefer to live life within a comfort zone. After all, they call it a “comfort zone” for a reason – even the term itself stirs up deep feelings of calm, relaxation and security.
So, as I was sitting in my empty apartment ready to lock the door for the final time, I held my head high and realised that change happens to everyone. Even though this is incredibly uncomfortable and really difficult – it is a part of life. And me, being who I am, I got into the moving truck and promised myself that the next change will be easier. I will learn from this experience and I will embrace the change taking place in my life.
The good news is that embracing change is not a difficult skill to learn. Once you start looking at change as a good thing, there is a shift in perspective that takes place, and that is something money cannot buy.
Why is change a good thing?
- Change challenges your values and beliefs: Reacting to change often involves re-evaluating your belief system. It is not a bad thing. This is often the start of new conversations with God. A chance to reach new depths in your relationship with him.
- Change breaks up routines: So, if you are moving to a different country, time zones aren’t the only thing that will change. Don’t get me wrong, brushing your teeth and flossing are great things to keep as part of your routine, but some routines can leave you in a rut – and possibly even contribute to depression or stress. By breaking your routine, change keeps your mind active, refocusing your thoughts so your mind stays active and doesn’t become fixated on negative thought patterns.
- Change offers opportunities: By altering the way you live life, even in a small way, change can present opportunities that can have a domino effect. It providing you with more choices than you ever dreamed possible – so you can create a more fulfilling and authentic life.
- Change teaches you flexibility: By embracing change and meeting it head on with excitement, you can learn not to be so set in your ways. This can help you maintain a more positive attitude.
Change the channel. Rip off the band-aid. Even go so far as to burn the entire book and pull a new one of the shelf. Start a new book! I know it sounds scary but do it anyway. Open the page and begin chapter one of the new story.