There’s one thing we’ll always find on our journey, no matter how much we try to avoid it, is change. Some changes we can control and manage, and others…not so much.
For example—I love rearranging the furniture in my living room or bedroom every now and then. There are really only two ways to move things around because of the space and scale of my furniture, but that tiny shift feels new. It’s energizing. It shifts my mindset.
Then there are the weekends when I decide to try a new hiking trail or take some photos at a spot I’ve never been to before. That little invitation to explore something different is so good for the soul, isn’t it?
But not all changes come wrapped in a bow of excitement. Sometimes, life throws in an unexpected curveball: an illness, a career hurdle, financial stress, family dynamics, relationships, etc... And suddenly, it’s not about rearranging furniture—it’s about rearranging your heart, your mind, and your ability to adapt.
For me, it’s so easy to get caught up in the imbalance of it all. I’ll admit, I’ve gotten better over the years—age does bring wisdom—but patience still isn’t exactly my strong suit. When life feels overwhelming, I often find myself wanting to fix things, to make sense of what feels messy.
But here’s the lesson I’ve learned—one I’m still learning: not every change is meant to be fixed or figured out. Some changes are about letting go. About hitting the pause button, taking a deep breath, and sitting with whatever is happening, even if it feels uncomfortable.
I feel like a broken record if I’ve mentioned this before, but if I’m being honest, it’s advice that often sits on my shoulder, whispering in my ear: letting go doesn’t mean giving up. It means creating space for peace, even when life feels chaotic. It’s about trusting that every shift, even the hard ones, carries something valuable. Sometimes it’s a lesson in resilience; other times, it’s a reminder that we’re stronger than we think.
I’ve learned that change—whether it’s something as simple as moving a couch or as profound as facing the unknown—has the power to transform us. I once listened to a podcast where actor Matthew McConaughey shared an analogy about the colors of a stoplight. He explained that if life were all green lights, with no hardships, no challenges, no “change,” or introspection, then what would it all be for? We need the yellows and reds, too.
I might be veering off topic a bit, but his analogy feels so relevant to change. Those pauses and stops—those moments of uncertainty or struggle—are what help us evolve. It’s where growth happens. It’s where we learn to loosen our grip on the things we can’t control and start embracing what is.
So, here’s a gentle nudge for us: when change knocks, let’s answer with curiosity. Let’s ask ourselves, “What can this teach us? How can this moment serve our growth?” Even when it feels uncomfortable, even when we don’t have all the answers.
Every change, whether small or life-altering, is shaping us. It’s helping us align with our highest selves, one step at a time. And in those moments when it feels overwhelming, let’s remind ourselves that we’re not alone. My favorite go-to reminder? You’ve got this.
