March always feels like a time of transition. Winter starts to loosen its grip, and you can feel the first hints of spring in the air. It's a time for new beginnings, a time for growth. But here's the thing: growth is not always easy. It’s often messy, uncomfortable, and full of uncertainty. It requires us to step out of our comfort zones, challenge old patterns, and be willing to face things we may have avoided.
For a long time, I struggled with change. I felt comfortable staying where I was, even if it wasn’t where I truly wanted to be. I think we all do this at some point—cling to what feels familiar, even when it’s not serving us anymore. But I’ve learned that change is an essential part of growth. And the sooner we stop resisting it, the sooner we can start to experience the growth we’re looking for.
The Fear of Change: Why We Resist It
The fear of change is something that holds a lot of people back, myself included. It’s that nagging feeling of “what if this doesn’t work?” or “what if I fail?” And I get it. Change is uncertain, and uncertainty can be terrifying. But I’ve come to realize that staying stuck in a place of comfort and fear doesn’t lead to growth—it leads to stagnation.
There was a time in my life when I had dreams but didn’t know how to make them happen. I wanted to start a business, but I was terrified of failing. The fear of what could go wrong kept me stuck in the “what if” phase for a long time. But eventually, I had to make the choice: would I continue to let fear dictate my actions, or would I choose to embrace change and take the leap?
Growth Requires Action
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that growth isn’t something that happens to you—it’s something you create through your actions. You can’t wait around for the perfect moment, because it may never come. Growth requires us to take small steps every day, even when we’re not sure of the outcome. It’s about putting in the work, even when it feels uncomfortable, and trusting that each step forward is part of the process.
I remember the first time I made the decision to put myself out there with my business. It felt like a huge leap into the unknown. But when I took that first step, I realized that the fear didn’t go away right away, but it also didn’t control me anymore. The more I took action, the less intimidating it all became. Growth, it turns out, is a lot like that. It requires us to move forward, even when we don’t have all the answers.
The Importance of Patience in Growth
Growth doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, patience, and perseverance. There have been plenty of times when I’ve felt like giving up, like nothing was changing, or that I wasn’t making any progress. But the truth is, growth is a slow process. It’s like planting a seed—you don’t see the results immediately, but with consistent care, eventually, something beautiful starts to bloom.
If you’re in a season of growth right now, know that it’s okay to take your time. Don’t rush the process, and don’t get discouraged if things feel slow. Trust that your efforts are paying off, even if you can’t see the results right away. Keep taking small steps, and eventually, you’ll look back and realize just how far you’ve come.
Embracing Change with Open Arms
If there’s one thing I’ve learned about growth, it’s that it often comes with change. Change can feel intimidating, but it also opens doors to new possibilities. When we embrace change, we allow ourselves to move forward. And that’s what growth is all about—moving forward, even when it’s uncomfortable.
As you embrace change in your life, remember to give yourself grace. Growth isn’t about being perfect or having it all figured out. It’s about progress—however small it may seem. Change can be hard, but it’s also necessary for the life you want to create. So, don’t shy away from it. Step into it with courage, and trust that you’re exactly where you need to be.
Journal Prompts for Reflection:
- Facing Fear of Change: Think about a time when you were afraid of change. What held you back from embracing it? Reflect on what might have happened if you had taken that leap. How can you start embracing change in your life today?
- Taking Action Toward Growth: Write about one area of your life where you’d like to see growth. What is one small action you can take today to move forward in that area? Reflect on how taking that action could lead to long-term growth.
- Patience in the Process: Growth often feels slow, but every small step counts. Write about a recent experience where you felt like things were moving too slowly. How can you practice patience in your journey? How can you trust the process
- Embracing Change: Reflect on a major change you’ve experienced in your life. How did you react to it at first? What did you learn from that experience, and how has it shaped the person you are today? What change are you currently resisting, and how can you shift your perspective to embrace it?