5 Mindful Ways To Welcome Change Into Your Life

I think we’ve all had those times when we hear a gentle whisper telling us that something needs to change. We know that the voice is right, but often we resist what it’s asking of us. Why? Because change can be uncomfortable, and it’s our nature to avoid anything that makes us feel that way or takes us towards the unknown.

But, take a minute to think about the changes you’ve made in the past. Weren’t some of them the best decisions you’ve ever made?

While staying in our comfort zones is cosy, it doesn’t move us in the direction of our dreams. I have to remind myself of this often because welcoming change doesn’t always come naturally, and we all need a little encouragement to step into the unknown.

Remember that those first few steps don’t need to be giant leaps, in fact, I’ve always found that taking consistent small steps works even better because they give us time to acclimatise to our new path.

If you’re feeling called to make a few changes, then here are a few tips that I hope will help...

BE KIND
Whether we’re in control of the changes going on around us or not, it’s always helpful to be kinder to yourself. Sit down for a moment and think about the way you’d speak to a good friend who was experiencing the same thing. Wouldn’t you talk to them differently? You’d offer gentle words of support and take the time to listen to their worries and concerns. Try doing the same for yourself.   

FACE FEAR
Fear often stands in our way. So, when faced with making changes, I ask myself, “what’s the worst that could happen”. That always gives me the perspective I need. Maybe something doesn’t work out, your ego gets a little bruised, or you have to downsize your life for a while. It’s never as bad as we think. And imagine all of the things that we could be missing out on if we let fear stop us from taking the first step towards something new.     
 

ACKNOWLEDGE OBSTACLES
The path to somewhere new is unlikely to be free of obstacles and challenges. So, the best thing that we can do is make a plan for them. Some of them will be clear to you - people in your life that could hold you back or more practical concerns that will need to be tackled along the way. Write them all down and spend some time thinking about how you’ll overcome them. It’s incredible how much this helps to remove any fear or anxiety you feel about making changes.       
SUPPORT
Connecting with others that are going through a similar experience as you can be helpful. Being understood and feeling safe to share your journey and support others can make a world of difference. If you can’t find support locally, look online, but be sure to find a community that will uplift and support you rather than focus on the more negative side of things. 

CELEBRATE
Set yourself a few milestones and when you reach each one - celebrate! It’s incredible how much this can keep your motivation flowing. They might be small milestones to begin with, but they all matter. Write them down with a realistic time frame that isn’t too far in the future. Then, think about how you’ll celebrate when you reach them...maybe you’ll buy yourself fresh flowers, something new to wear or schedule a little more time for self-care.       

It’s possible to approach change with a fresh perspective by taking the small steps needed and creating a plan for the inevitable obstacles along the way. While it might not stop that fearful voice in our heads, it will help you turn the volume down on it and move forward with a positive and grateful heart.

AUTHOR: LEANNA DOOLIN

Co – Founder of holistic skincare brand, Pure Thoughts and advocate for women finding pause in their day to breathe deeply, give thanks and reconnect to what matters. Loves early mornings, dogs and books that you can’t put down.