why is change so hard?
growing pains? because in order to grow & evolve (as humans do), change is inevitable.
for sure.. those are all very true! but let’s dig a little deeper..
why is change hard?
because in order to change, something needs to be let go.
in order to embrace change & invite growth into your life. you have to let go. in order to create more space for change. you have to let go. if you’re like me, you have a fear of letting things go. you may fear by letting go of things like relationships or old patterns you’re not going to be happy, or find happiness again or you won’t be accepted for the changes you make. am i right? (in some capacity i hope).
some essential pieces you’ll need to let go…
the past
and
expectations of what the future looks like…
our mind loves to fixate on the past and run to the future, like the present moment doesn’t even exist! but hey, don’t forget, you will never be in this exact moment again. look! it’s already gone!
and that moment, and that moment.
don’t. take. it. for. granted… i dare you.
… anyways …
even if the change is familiar and we’ve been through it before or we’ve mentally prepared for it, it can still be uncomfortable and carry heavy emotions. change can be disruptive, as it creates new patterns & interferes with a plan the mind has been set on. it causes the waves within us to shift direction and cause a few ripples in our calm stream we’ve been swimming for a while. it can cause a crack in a routine our mind has become so accustomed to and comfortable in. it’s like when you just found that sweet spot in your bed and as soon as your eyes are about to close, your alarm clock goes off.
in order to make space for a new season & embrace the change, the old one has to leave.
usually when i think of seasons changing, i think of fall. the trees let go of their leaves, as we let go of shorts & pool parties and prepare for cooler weather by getting out coats and long pants. kids go back to school and the rhythm of life seems to pick up speed.
change can be sad, it makes you realize nothing lasts forever. & in order to grow into the person we want to be or live the life we want to live, we must let go of old versions & invite change to come along for the ride. whether we like it or not.
i’ve been through lots of change in my life that’s helped me to accept it more and shift my perspective! that’s why i created some helpful self-care practices to help support your process in letting go, below:
self-care practices for letting go:
yoga nidra:
meditations:
let go of anger or tension in the body
let go of baggage: heal your inner child
fire burning:
1. turn on some soft (no lyric) music and grab a candle
2. you can do this in a comfy seated position or even in a bathtub!
3. start by taking deep breaths, in and out
4. feel into your body and sensations of your energy flowing, find relaxation. maybe incorporate a meditation beforehand or mindful practice
5. before you light the candle, think of what you want to let go
6. light the candle and speak out into the fire, what you are letting go
7. once you are finished with your list, blow the candle out
8. poof! this will help open up space in your mind & body for you to gently embrace any change
physically let go:
1. grab a trash bag
2. go through your closets, drawers, refrigerator, cabinets, storage, or car
3. take anything that doesn’t light your heart up when you see it and throw it out! (or gift it and take it to goodwill)
4. if it’s not a FULL body “heck yes!” it’s a no go
5. give it a gracious hug, send it good wishes & blessings, & let it go <3
journal prompts:
1. what has recently changed in my life?
2. what change am i anticipating? how is my body & mind reacting?
3. as i reflect on these changes, what can i let go of that will not serve me through these changes? (is it a friendship, intimate relationship, my daily routine, morning practice, time on my phone, food, career, passions, hobbies?)
4. make a list of the things you intend to let go, why do i choose to let these specific things go? what am i hoping the space brings me?
5. set your intentions for this next season or wave of change. here are some examples to get started:
i am statements (i am strong throughout changes, i am confident in change, etc)
i intend to (fill in blank)
i will (fill in blank)
i make a promise to myself to let go of (blank) & make space for (blank)
affirmations:
i embrace change
change is in full support and in light of my growth
i allow change to flow through me effortlessly & easily
shifting your priorities and your routine can be hard, but on the other side is always an opportunity for growth
☺
remember: change is the only constant we have in life, so put some cozy clothes on and get comfy!
here’s to making more space for change in this next season of your life. my hope for you is to embrace this new season of life! try to enjoy this transition period as much as possible, find ease in every day and allow yourself to gently move through every subtle or heavy emotion that comes with it <3 bring acceptance to it and let it be.
𖥧.𖡼.⚘
from my heart to yours, thank you for tuning into “why is change hard?”.
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@hellobridgetteanne
