Change Sucks
Change sucks. There, I said it. Being in the midst of change, regardless of how much it may have been planned for, just isn’t fun. It’s messy, uncomfortable, and disorienting, and the reality of it can hit us in unexpected ways.
Change means we’re entering new territory and pushing beyond our comfort zone, so our bodies, minds, and emotions react. Sometimes (or often times!) in ways that we cannot control. Physically, we might feel tense, exhausted, or restless. Mentally, our thoughts can race, making us anxious or overwhelmed. Emotionally, we might experience a rollercoaster—one moment we’re excited, the next we’re uncertain, fearful, or even angry. These reactions are our systems trying to adapt to the unknown. It’s a reminder that stepping into something new is challenging, and our responses—however unpredictable—are a normal part of the process.
It’s hard to look outside of our own perspective, though, when we’re in the thick of it, and rarely can we see the bigger picture. But acknowledging that it’s tough, that it sucks, is an important step. It’s okay to feel this way.
This blog post is my way of acknowledging the frustrations and feelings that I’ve had over the last 2 months, as I’ve personally been experiencing the biggest amount of change in my life to-date. After 14 years in a stable corporate career, I made a bold leap into entrepreneurship, moved to a new country, got married, and am now navigating the joys and challenges of blending cultures, families, and building a new home. All at the same time.
While I logically knew it would be a lot to handle all at once, my instinct was to "rip off the bandaid" and push through all the changes rather than tackle them one by one. However, knowing something logically and actually living through it are two very different experiences.
During this challenging time, I've learned many things about myself and the life I am creating:
- Even when change aligns with who I am and the life I want, it can be (and has been) far tougher than anticipated
- I’ve realized it’s okay to pause and prioritize my well-being, that I need my own space, and that communication is vital when sharing life with others
- I’ve learned to accept feelings of sadness and loss as a part of evolving
- My independence has made relying on others difficult, especially with language barriers
- I underestimated how long it would take to “bounce back,” but I’m focusing on embracing the changes and opportunities that come about
- “Step by step” has been my mantra for years, and now I’m truly living it every moment of every day
- I trust that this difficult period is just a small part of a much bigger story, and that patience and time are what I need most
- Sometimes sleep, sleep, and more sleep really is what’s required
Are you currently experiencing a significant period of big change in your life, or perhaps you are anticipating this transition phase in the near future and actively looking for effective ways to manage this challenging and often difficult period?
Here are a few steps to help you weather the storm:
- Start by embracing the discomfort instead of resisting it; acknowledge and accept your emotions without trying to “fix” them immediately
- Practice mindfulness to stay grounded in the present
- Let go of the need for control by focusing on what you can manage
- Seek support from others; family, friends, even strangers on social media
- Consider channeling your energy into creative expression or physical activity
- Trust that the chaos is temporary, and look for small wins along the way
- Be patient and compassionate with yourself—allow the process to unfold in its own time
By allowing yourself to experience the chaos instead of resisting it, you’re honoring the complexity of your feelings and the reality of the change. It’s not about enjoying the discomfort, but rather about giving yourself the grace to go through it authentically. Eventually, the chaos will settle, and you’ll emerge from it stronger, with a clearer understanding of who you are and the life you’re creating.
What realizations have you had when going through a period of discomfort? How were you able to transcend that discomfort?
I’d love to hear from you!
-Stephanie
