Navigating the Fears of Change
How curiosity can help us embrace new paths.
"Every small change you make pays compound interest. It helps you make another change, another mind-set shift, another decision to live a new way." —Cait Flanders, The Year of Less, page 165
The seasons have begun their change from winter to spring. Last night I watched the ultrabright colors of the sunset. It started me thinking about the seasons throughout my life, the many identities I've held, and how its all evolving.
Even though I know things around me are in a constant state of flux, I tend to expect things will remain the same. I cling to old stories I tell myself about who I am or who I think I'm expected to be. Some roles I've chosen for myself; others were placed upon me. Many of my roles have served me and those around me well; some probably not so much. Some roles I'll carry throughout my lifetime; others are finite and no longer necessary. I'm recognizing which identities its time I release.
Often I find myself reluctant to change because staying the same feels more comfortable, more controllable, more certain. Mostly I resist out of fear. So I'm learning to navigate some of the fears that come with change and reject the counterproductive ones: