Change is simple…said no one ever. I certainly haven’t been great at it, considering this is my first blog post in almost two years. Change is unknown, unsettling, and uncertain. It disrupts our routine, takes us outside of our comfort zones and ourselves, and pushes our limits in the smallest or largest of ways.

For some perspective on how change has affected me in just two short years, here’s a brief summary of my life from then until now. Since August 2017, I’ve worked at three different companies, moved into an apartment with my boyfriend Jordan, got a puppy, helped raise $155k for a fundraiser, traveled, pioneered new trails with the Junior League of Portland, lost two family members, turned 30 and bought a house. I honestly don’t know how I did it sometimes, but here are three things I’ve learned as a result.

Change is the best teacher.

Change and growth seem to be kindred spirits. When we reflect back on the past decisions we make and the outcomes that result, the consequences of our actions (be they positive or negative) serve to teach us. We learn what we thought we could never accomplish, or what to do differently once the next choice comes along. These choices could be anything from changing a daily habit of snacking on chips to snacking on carrots, a new hairstyle, revamping a wardrobe, a dating profile or a curriculum vitae, traveling to an unfamiliar destination, or packing up and making a new home. All of these choices bring new vibrancy in life, and while they could possibly end up biting you in the rear end down the road, you’ll never know until you try.

Change brings organization.

Remember back in school when you started off the brand new year with new pencils, notebooks, erasers, calculators, crayons, and clothes? By the year’s end, those school supplies would wear, tear, break, and smudge, and some (if not all) of those clothes either wouldn’t fit or be in style by the time the next school year rolls around. This is one of many examples of times when life lets us reexamine and reflect on whether or not we should hang on to it a little longer, or maybe choose to move forward in a different direction by letting it go. Does it need to be thrown away, or could we give, sell or donate it to someone whose life could be made infinitely better? The choice is ultimately your own, but be careful about being too hasty or lazy about making it. Weigh the pros and cons, go with your gut, and then be confident in that choice. If it turns out to be wrong later on, I’ve frequently found that you can change your mind down the road.

Change gives us goals.

Starting from scratch can at times be so intimidating, frustrating and stressful, especially if you have absolutely no idea where or how to start. So many times I’ve wanted to recoil, give up, and throw all of my towels in. However, a clean slate always gives me similar feelings to those I have on New Year’s Eve each year. It’s an exciting chance I have to make things better for myself and those around me. In one way or another, we all support and sustain each other, as we must to thrive and adapt as a species. Use that to your advantage in times of adversity, trial, and change. If you keep supporting those around you as they move forward, it’s far more likely they’ll help carry you through to reach and exceed your own expectations and dreams.

All in all, I hope these three viewpoints on embracing and moving forward through change make it a little less terrifying. I’m so glad to be back writing again, and hope that you’ll move forward with me on this new leg of the journey!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.