Overcoming Fear & Embracing Change

Overcoming Fear & Embracing Change: Your Journey to Growth

Life is full of twists and turns, some we plan and others that take us completely by surprise. Change whether it be big or small, can feel overwhelming at times and fear often sneaks in to convince us to stay in our comfort zones. But real growth begins the moment you decide to embrace the change in your life even when it feels uncomfortable.

Fear is a natural response to what we’re uncertain of so it can hold us back. Our minds crave familiarity and don’t want to leave the comfortability we have. So, stepping into the unknown can trigger your anxiety and doubt. You’ll have thoughts like “What if I fail?” “What if it doesn’t work out?” While all of those questions are normal, they shouldn’t define your decisions. Fear might be trying to protect you at times but most of the time, it’s just keeping you from reaching your full potential. Imagine how much you could have accomplished if fear didn’t hold you back and focus on how much you CAN accomplish from here on out.

Instead of going about it and seeing change as a threat, try viewing it as an opportunity. Ask yourself, “What can I learn from this?” “How can this experience help me grow?” “What if things go better than I imagined?”

Having this mindset change won’t take away your fear entirely but it will help you push forward despite the thoughts in the back of your mind.

Acknowledge your fear. It’s okay to feel scared at times! Naming your fear, writing it down and asking yourself why it feels intimidating can make the situation feel less overwhelming. It’s almost like you’re seeing it from an outsider’s perspective.

Take small steps. You don’t have to tackle everything at once. Break up the change into smaller, manageable steps and celebrate each milestone no matter how small it may be. It’ll give you something to look forward to!

Seek some support. Share your feelings with someone you trust like family or friends, even a therapist. Know that you’re not alone in this journey and countless amount of people have been in the same situation you are facing right now. Talking to someone who has been in a similar situation can help you calm your nerves and be ready to take on this change.

Focus on the positive. Instead of thinking about all the bad things that could happen because let’s face it, everything isn’t perfect and something bad is bound to happen but the good will outweigh the bad. Visualize the best possible outcome and let that motivate you for when the bad thoughts creep back in your mind.

My Change

About 2 years ago, I went from a 21-year-old in New Jersey living with my parents to packing up everything I’ve ever known and moving to North Carolina. I’m now a 23-year-old knowing that this was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I said yes to leaving my hometown and I’ll never look back. Granted, I wanted to move here eventually but I didn’t think it would be so soon. Sometimes, the things you don’t expect happen to be the things that are the most exciting. Coming here, I had so many opportunities to grow not only in my career but also as a person. Going from everything you’ve ever known to a whole different environment can be super scary and overwhelming but in the long run, everything will work out and it can turn into a situation that you’re so grateful for.

Starting this blog was also a leap into the unknown for me. I had so many thoughts going around in my mind like “Will anyone read it?” “Can I keep up with the content?” “What will I talk about?” But I reminded myself that growth requires that risk. I love being the person that someone can come to for advice or just wanting to talk. What I write about is what I’m passionate about and experiences I resonate with. Every new post is a reminder that I’m choosing my courage over my fear.

Remember, fear is temporary but the rewards of embracing your change can last forever.

Cover Photo: https://pin.it/5d7CGMk9Y (If you are or know the original creator, message me!)