Choosing Change
I’ve been thinking about change recently—how it shapes us and how we shape it. Over the past three years, I’ve undergone countless transformations, some so subtle that they almost went unnoticed. Yet, every small shift has contributed to who I am today. These changes, when nurtured thoughtfully, have become lasting parts of my identity.
Looking back, I realize that changes made too hastily often fail to take root. They serve as temporary fixes, fleeting moments that help me navigate a particular season but don’t truly become part of who I am. These quick, surface-level adjustments simply aren’t strong enough to override the older, deeply ingrained patterns within me. I inevitably revert back, becoming the version of myself I was wanting to leave behind.
Thankfully, this isn’t the case anymore. Now, I invest the time and effort required to cultivate enduring habits, beliefs, attitudes, and actions; those that align with the person I *choose* to be. And with this deliberate process comes an empowering realization: change is not static, nor is it final. There are moments when I discover that the person I’ve chosen to be doesn’t quite align with who I truly want to be. In those instances, I have the freedom to choose again, to recalibrate, and to redefine myself. It’s all about choice; my choice.
For much of my life, my decisions were guided by people who, with good intentions, believed they knew what was best for me. I trusted their wisdom, followed their teachings, and allowed them to shape my direction. But there was one crucial oversight; they didn’t truly know *me*.
This wasn’t a failure on their part; it stemmed from a simple truth: no one can fully know another person. Their advice came from a place of care and love, but it lacked the depth that only I could provide. In fact, for much of my journey, I didn’t even know myself. That began to change in 2019, when I started the challenging AND rewarding process of discovering who I truly am.
Now, I am learning to honor my voice and embrace the process of growth as I shape the person I choose to become. Change isn’t just about becoming; it’s about *being* and continually choosing the life that reflects who I truly am.
