Two days in a row now, I’ve gone for a drive someplace new. It’s not a big change but it’s part of me trying to embrace change.
I hopped into my car and I drove in a completely new direction, a direction I’ve never driven before. I turned down different streets, into different suburbs and ended up in the countryside about 15 kilometres from my house. I discovered quiet little towns I never knew existed and a beautiful, peaceful park with gorgeous gardens and flowing streams. If I hadn’t decided to embrace change, I would have never discovered it.
Why is change important?
Change is not easy for everyone, venturing outside your comfort zone can be difficult but, in doing so, it will not only release you from the groundhog day like feeling of doing the same thing but it will help you grow and learn more about yourself. I’m a big believer in that if you want to grow and if you want to go places, you have to take some risks and embracing change is one of them. Change is good.
Change is good
Sometimes we tend to stick with what we know and what we’re comfortable with, don’t we? It’s human nature to prefer comfort over the unknown, it’s the predictability and sense of control we like to have. But, breaking that security net can often have surprising outcomes. One of the biggest and somewhat left field changes we’ve made as a family was our tree change from a big modern brick house to a little old workers cottage in a new suburb a half hour away. The change was refreshing, I enjoyed discovering the new surrounds, experiencing a garden I’ve never had before and I’ve met many people and made new friends.
Although things, like driving a different route or eating at a new restaurant, may seem like really small changes, it’s also the small changes that you make to your daily life that bring about benefits and often, these can help to conquer the big or unexpected changes.
Your life does not get better by chance. It gets better by change. -Jim Rohn
Why you should embrace change
By no means do you need to go out and buy a new house to experience the benefits of change, even the smallest changes on a daily basis can make a difference. Here are some reasons why you may want to make tomorrow your first day of embracing change.
1. Personal Growth
2. Flexibility
3. Improvements
4. Life values
5. The Snowball Effect
6. Strength
7. Progress
Change is all about taking that next step and if you don’t do it, you won’t progress and you will never know. You will never discover a new park, a new food that you love, a new restaurant, a new ability or a new found love or hobby.
8. Opportunities
9. New Beginnings
10. Routine
Whether you thrive on routine or not, routine can get a little mundane and boring. With just a few small changes here and there, routine can still be routine but with a twist. Perhaps you might try buying your coffee at a different cafe, get off the bus a stop early and walk to work, visit a new park with the kids or cook a meal you’ve never had. When you embrace change it’s like adding a bit of spice to your life!
I challenge you to start making a few small changes in your life to see how it makes you feel. Remember, when you embrace change you’re growing and adding to your story.
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I can be a little reluctant to change. I’m a little slow to adapt, but I can definitely see the benefits. I remind my daughter how change can be good incase she starts to struggle with change like me.
It’s normal Renee and there are still some big things that I find hard but it’s all about working on the little ones first.
I don’t know if I’m good with change, but in the school holidays, we venture all over Sydney, simply because I’ve ‘never been there before’ – usually it’s a success, sometimes it’s just another crappy suburb…but as a result, we’ve seen a lot of different things (and I’ve got the kids off the xbox for the day!)
It’s great seeing different places and although they may seem crappy (I’ve seen some crappy places too) it gives perspectives and makes me so happy about the lovely suburb I live in.
Love this post hon – will be sharing.
I am a homebody who fears changes that are thrust upon me (anxiety stuff) but seeks out exactly the changes you mention. I recently wrote a post over at scoutie girl called “change is as good as a holiday” so agree 100%
Oh thanks so Deb. Anxiety sucks doesn’t it, I actually have a post coming up next week about how I learnt to recognize my anxiety and depression triggers..you may like it. I’ll have to have a look at your post.
I crave change and try to seek it out, but I know that routine also makes life easier and more settling for our children. But then again change also makes them resilient and better able to cope with life. It’s a fine balance. I’m always about new food and experiences, when I get the opportunity to try them I throw myself into it wholeheartedly
I love this post. Change is so important. I actually took up some weekend work last year so I get away from my family life and be single for a couple of nights. I love to go and discover new places and see new sights. It is amazing therapy!
Your exploring sounds lovely x I do like routine when it comes to a lot of aspects of my life, but i do also enjoy exploring new places, going to different parks etc with the boys. Great post, it has certainly got me thinking x
I have to admit that change does throw me a bit. I love my routine. I think I get this from my Dad. I wish I was more of a person who embraced change.
Love this post and I love change….I get board so easily and the same old thing contributes to my down times. Good on you for changing things up, even if it is only a short drive to somewhere new or a different meal to try.
Have a great week xx
I love the feeling of trying something if fervent and loving it. I think change is great for the soul and isn’t that what life is about? Enjoying it to the full!
I don’t like change and routines make me feel safe. I feel such a huge turmoil in my head a lot of the time so it’s nice to have predictability in my physical life.
You are spot on Eva, Without change your ability to adapt and deal with it shrinks – you shrink. Your life, your world becomes a tighter and tighter fit. The less you stretch yourself out of your comfort zone the less you are able. OK I’m laboring a point (thinking of a family member with a sever anxiety disorder) you’ve made those points really well here and its a reminder we all need. Hey does a shopping break in your normal routine count? :0)
I love change – its one of my themes on my blog. I reckon we only grow when we change and finding balance in live is really a whole process of staying centred while we embrace (and cope) with changes. Lovely to hear the joy of your exploring and the difference your tree change has made to your life.
So nice that you can hop in your car and drive not too far to be able to explore lots of new places. Maybe you could also find some activities for you to do in one of these places.
I remember reading somewhere that we like the idea of change but the reality scares us that’s why I think your post is brilliant, because it’s something to remember when it all starts to happen x