For most of us, a desire for change is something we seek in our external environment and tends to relate to a new job, a career move, new relationships or a house move, maybe even a change of countries. But it can also connect to our internal environment and mean a new mindset, new beliefs and perceptions. These can be the start of a whole new way of being, leading to a whole new life.
If we’re stuck in a rut and trying to find a way forward then maybe we should view change as a journey of self-discovery – discovering what stimulates us and what stifles us, learning what we like and what we don’t like, recognising what we’re good at and maybe what we’re not so good at.
‘Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.‘
Dr. Seuss
Whether our desire for change comes from the need to get out of a rut or desire a better life, it helps if we’re willing to go out of our comfort zone by trying new things. Learning something new helps us understand ourselves more as we discover what we like, what we’re naturally good at, what stimulates us, what soothes us. Regardless of age, when we’re learning, we’re growing our brain and moulding it to a new way of being. Change is an inevitable part of growth.
‘You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.‘
Dr. Suess
We get to decide what we want in life, and we get to choose which direction our life should take. It’s great if we have a particular passion or specific interest that we can nurture. Setting goals and achieving them will be much easier when based on something we find stimulating.
It’s also good to try something out just for the fun of it or to see where it takes us. The more we are willing to experiment with life, the more confident we will become in challenging ourselves. As a result, we will find greater confidence in finding and walking our path in life.
‘Think and wonder. Wonder and think.‘
Dr. Seuss
Trying different foods, learning a new language, taking up a sport, learning a musical instrument, learning how to sketch, reading a book written by an author we’ve not heard of before – the more things we try, the more likely we’ll find what suits us. Even if we try something and discover that we don’t like it, at least we’ll have had a new experience and will find what is and what isn’t for us.
‘The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.‘
Dr. Seuss
While reading is an excellent way of learning, it’s not the only way. More and more books are now available as audiobooks. Videos are another fantastic way of learning with practical demonstrations for almost every task, from D.I.Y to cookery. Thanks to documentaries and creative filming, we travel the world and experience nature in all her unique forms. And of course, we have the added benefit of the internet, where all our questions are answered at the click of a button. Also, podcasts are becoming the new norm where people openly discuss their views and share their experiences on every possible topic imaginable. When we open our minds, we broaden our horizons.
‘Why fit in when you were born to stand out?‘
Dr. Seuss
Shifting our mindsets out of old ways of thinking helps stimulate our creative juices, and we’re likely to discover some latent or hidden abilities. Once we get past the fear of making mistakes and realise that mistakes equal learning and growth, we can begin to trust and unearth our deeply suppressed desires. When we do this, we can expand and grow and find what we love in life. Then we can truly shine.
‘On and on, you will hike. And I know you’ll hike far and face up to your problems whatever they are.‘
Dr. Seuss
When we’re feeling challenged or overwhelmed by change, we may find ourselves confused, agitated and stressed. According to science, this is a natural part of the change process. It helps to know this and to address any issues as they arise. It helps to make sure our research information comes from a reputable source. Also, talking things through with a trusted friend or family member, taking breaks and getting plenty of fresh air and exercise, eating a healthy diet and staying hydrated are all ways of supporting ourselves through change and growth.
But remember, above all else …
‘Be yourself, because the people that mind don’t matter. And the people that matter don’t mind.’
Dr. Seuss