Periodically, we are called to update, or re-envision, our lives and/or our businesses. Sometimes it’s the result of an outside situation. Death of a loved one, a major illness, loss of a company, or something else traumatic in nature. Sometimes, however, it is simply because we are being called, yet again, to shift, grow, and change. Whatever the reason, for it to be truly a blessing, it requires an extensive amount of reflection and planning. With those as a prerequisite, there will be a great deal of joy and excitement, and yet fear.
Change is always scary even if it is also exciting and a great adventure.
For the past few months, I have been looking at places to move to, and I have finally found an exciting location closer to family and with so many more items on my wish list. I feel a whole new way of life opening up. I have been inspired to update my website, rebrand my business, add a membership program and classes, and more. It is scary in that it is new and unknown. It’s exciting for exactly the same reasons.
I’m giving away some furniture, selling other pieces, buying additional pieces that fit the space and so on. Living in a new town means getting to know new stores, new restaurants, and new people. Rebranding means a whole new approach while expanding my offerings to those I serve, growing into the woman who can easily balance the shifts and changes. Yes, exciting and scary both.
Nonetheless, the gift of change is that it calls us to grow, to open up to new ideas, new ways of doing things, new ways of sharing who we are. I have always found that exciting and life-giving. How do you handle change? How frequently are you called to grow? Do you? Or do you avoid it and “play it safe”? Do you question, explore, research, and analyze? Or do you jump in and figure it out mid-leap?
None of these ways are wrong. They are just different. The only “wrong” choice is the choice not to grow or to change. Like flowers, if we stagnate we die. It is in our nature to grow and change. A rose evolves and the bottom line is that it is beautiful in so many stages. It doesn’t have the choice to say, “I’m staying here, at this stage.” Nature always takes its course. It’s no different with us. We can accept that change is here and ride with it, having some say, and even directing it or it will move on without our input and simply take us where it leads. Not always good, especially in a storm where outside forces take over.
Recognize when you are being called to change. It may not be to a new house, maybe simply redecorating. It may not be rebranding, but simply an expansion or addition of some sort. Whatever it is, when you are aware of the need to grow, and change, embrace it and provide input. You have no idea where you will finally be led. Wherever that is, it will be both exciting and scary, but always it will be a gift calling you forward.
