I was at a conference for women leaders recently. One of the participants shared a vulnerable story about how people often took advantage of her kind nature. And then she started to tear up.
“Why do I always need to be the one to change? What’s wrong with being me?”
Every woman in that room nodded. Many sniffled.
Perhaps it’s because the experience is uncommon, but there is something very freeing about being accepted and loved unconditionally. After all, that is the essence of belonging.
How many people can you count on in your life to love you and accept you fully, quirks and flaws and moods and all?
Maybe your parent?
Your kids?
Your partner?
A close friend?
You are blessed if even one person comes to mind!
BUT…
Change is Not About Fitting into Others’ Expectations
I’m talking about changing to be the best version of you.
When you grow, you have to change. That’s not a bad thing.
I’m NOT advocating for you to act differently to please or fit in with others. When I talk about changing, I’m talking about shaking the patterns of beliefs that hold you back from what you really value and who you want to be.
As a coach, I often see my clients resist seeing their unhappy circumstances from any other possible perspective.
“This is just how I am!”
or
“Other people are idiots!”
or
“The system is against me and there’s nothing I can do.”
In this way, saying NO to change is often based in fear, uncertainty, or comfort in the known reality.
“NO” can be really powerful when you’re building helpful boundaries to keep your priorities a priority.
But if you don’t stay open and curious to the possibility of changing, or the need for change, you’re missing out on something amazing: the ability to feel differently from how you feel right now.
And if you’re here, aren’t you hoping for a better future?
Question: “In what areas of your life might you be resisting change?”
