Change is Beautiful

Fall and spring are my favorite seasons of the year. I’m a spring baby so naturally, I enjoy the beauty of budding of flowers and trees. I also enjoy the beauty of fall. I love the beautiful colors that emerge as the greenery on trees turn into reds, yellows, browns, and gold colors. I am refreshed by the array of fall colors that signal a change in the season.

In a recent conversation with the women in my self-care network, we shared about the changes that we are having to make to become the healthiest version of ourselves. Many of us shared about changes we need to make with diet, nutrition, and exercise. Some shared about changes they need to make with career and family commitments. Others shared about changes they were making in relationships and financially to prepare for retirement. We all acknowledged that change is the only constant variable in life. Therefore, the question became, “why do we resist change?”

In his article, The Psychology of Change: Understanding Resistance and Adapting Strategies in Project Management, David McCreery reveals why people resist change. He posits, “There are many reasons why people resist change, including fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear of losing control, and fear of change itself. Resistance can also be due to past experiences, personal beliefs, and cultural norms.” McCreery further asserts that change disrupts our comfort which also leads to feelings of anxiety, stress, and fear. Especially when change is introduced rapidly or without adequate preparation and communication.[1]

Yet, I have discovered that when change is viewed in a positive light, we can embrace change as something beautiful. When we view change as a glass half full, rather than a glass half empty, we can better appraise our gifts, skills, and abilities necessary for change. When we see the opportunities that change offers us to reinvent, refresh, and retool, we can make changes more readily.

Like fall, as the leaves on the trees turn from green to a beautiful tapestry of brown, red, and gold, we get a picture that is ascetically beautiful to the eye. We experience the crispness of a cool fall breeze that refreshes us on the other side of a hot summer. We get to wear stylish clothes, shoes, handbags, hats, scarfs, and jewelry that we have stored away in our closets. We eat seasonal fruits, vegetables and meals that bring us warmth and comfort. We experience gatherings with family and friends that strengthen our bond and familial connections. We get to slow down, exhale, breathe, reflect, and rejuvenate for the seasons to come.

Fall colors show us that change is beautiful. I invite you to challenge your fears, get out of your comfort zone, and make the changes that will help you become the most beautiful version of yourself.

Dr. Toni

[1] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/psychology-change-understanding-resistance-adapting-project-mccreery/