Embracing Change

I’ve experienced both types of change, the kind you’re actively looking for, when you feel ready to step into the next chapter of your life, and the kind that comes out of nowhere and shakes everything up. Both can be challenging, but both can also be full of growth.

When you seek change intentionally, there’s a mix of excitement and nerves. You feel ready, even if a little scared, and there’s something empowering about choosing your next step. You start dreaming about what’s possible, imagining the opportunities ahead, and even though the unknown feels intimidating, you trust yourself to take that leap. That choice alone builds confidence—you’re proving to yourself that you’re willing to move forward, no matter how uncertain the outcome may be.

The change that catches you off guard? Wow! That one is tough… but it teaches resilience, patience, and often shows you things about yourself you never expected. You learn that you can handle more than you thought, and that sometimes being pushed outside of your comfort zone is exactly what helps you grow.

What I’ve learned with change

Humility: Change has a way of grounding you and showing you what truly matters. It reminds you that it’s okay not to have it all figured out, and that’s often where the beauty lies.

No expectations: Life has a funny way of giving you the best moments when you least plan for them. Some of my most memorable days have come from letting go and being open to what’s right in front of me.

A chance to reset: Sometimes we stick to routines just because they’re easy or familiar. But are we really challenging ourselves? Are we enjoying life the way we want to? Moving to a new city has forced me to rethink my daily habits, the activities I want to prioritize, and how I want to spend my time—rather than letting life just happen.

New experiences: Change opens doors to try things we might never consider otherwise. Some feel uncomfortable at first, but those are often the moments that help us grow the most.

Family perspective: Change has reminded me that at the end of the day, what matters most is being present for my family. My kids don’t need perfection—they need love, laughter, and a mom who shows up for them. Everything else is temporary—the schedules, the places, the things—but the memories we create together are what last.

Appreciation: Change has reminded me how grateful I am for the friends and community we’ve built over the years. I’ve moved many times, but true friends always stay close, no matter the distance. For that, my heart is full.

Self-trust: Every shift, big or small, shows you that you are more capable than you thought. With each step, you build confidence in your ability to handle whatever comes next and get to know yourself a little better.

This season of life has been about slowing down, resetting, and opening my heart to what’s ahead. Whether we chase change or it finds us unexpectedly, the journey is what shapes us, teaches resilience, and helps us see the beauty in both the little moments and the big leaps.

We all go through tough times, yet so often we try to hide them or keep quiet about them. But I’ve found those are the conversations I treasure most—the honest ones where you learn more about others, connect on a deeper level, and realize that vulnerability builds true friendship. When we open up, we discover we’re not alone. We’re not the only ones who have struggled or felt lost. This is life—ups and downs, happy seasons and hard ones.

What we can do is stay open to change, lean into the lessons it brings, and give ourselves permission to enjoy the process. Because in the end, it’s not about having it all figured out—it’s about living fully, embracing each chapter, and trusting that every shift is guiding us toward who we’re meant to become.