September is a time of change. The seasons shift, summer vacations end, and for many, school begins.
This year, September brought significant changes for me. My son, Isaiah, started his first full month of college—2.5 hours away from home, leaving the nest empty. I also began a new full-time role as a special education assistant at an elementary school. Balancing this with my four businesses has meant big adjustments to my routine—changes I’m still getting used to.
Change is a constant, inevitable force in life. We all experience it, whether we want to or not. Sometimes change comes slowly, like the gradual passing of seasons. Other times, it arrives unexpectedly, shaking up our routines and pushing us out of our comfort zones. Regardless of how it presents itself, one thing remains true: embracing change with an open heart can lead to incredible growth, self-discovery, and a stronger, more resilient version of ourselves.
Why Change Is Necessary
Change is not always easy, but it’s necessary. Without it, we would remain stagnant, trapped in the same routines and mindsets, never evolving or improving. Every new experience brings an opportunity to learn something new about ourselves and the world around us. When we embrace change, we allow ourselves to grow beyond our current limitations. We become more adaptable, learning to navigate new challenges with confidence and grace.
Adapting to change also teaches us resilience. When we face something unfamiliar, we might initially feel fear or uncertainty. But with each challenge we overcome, we build inner strength. Over time, this resilience becomes a powerful tool that helps us face future changes with less hesitation and more courage.
Viewing Change as an Opportunity
When the special education opportunity fell into my lap, I was unsure. In fact, I was about 95% certain it wasn’t for me. After all, I had been a full-time entrepreneur for 16 years and loved the flexibility. But as I thought more about it, I realized this job aligned perfectly with what I love to do—work with students. It also connected seamlessly with one of my businesses, which focuses on supporting the self-esteem of elementary students.
This experience reminded me that instead of resisting change, we can choose to see it as an opportunity. Shifting our mindset is key. When we approach change with fear or avoidance, we limit ourselves and miss out on the growth it could bring. On the other hand, when we welcome change, we open ourselves to new experiences and perspectives that can lead to personal development.
Change often brings discomfort, but that discomfort is where growth happens. Think about the most significant moments in your life—whether starting a new job, moving to a new place, or facing a challenging situation. These moments were likely difficult, but they shaped you into who you are today. By stepping outside your comfort zone, you allow yourself to evolve and discover your true potential.
Trusting the Journey Ahead
One of the hardest parts of embracing change is trusting the process. We often want to know exactly what the future holds, but life doesn’t work that way. Change requires faith that no matter what happens, we have the ability to adapt and thrive. It’s about believing that even when things seem uncertain or difficult, we are capable of finding our way forward.
Trusting the journey doesn’t mean having all the answers. It means accepting that we won’t always know what’s coming next, and that’s okay. Instead of focusing on the unknown, we can focus on what we can control—our attitude, our effort, and our willingness to learn. By shifting our mindset from one of control to one of trust, we can navigate life’s changes with more peace and less anxiety.
Finding Positives in Every Situation
When faced with change, it’s easy to focus on the negatives—what we’re losing, how things are different, or what we’re afraid of. But there’s always a silver lining, even in the most challenging situations. It’s up to us to find it.
Every change, no matter how difficult, brings with it a lesson. Sometimes it’s a lesson in patience, other times in strength or flexibility. By focusing on the positives, we can turn even the most challenging experiences into opportunities for growth. This doesn’t mean ignoring the hardships that come with change, but rather choosing to focus on what we can gain from the experience.
For example, losing a job may initially seem like a setback, but it can also be an opportunity to explore new career paths, develop new skills, or pursue a passion you didn’t have time for before. Moving to a new city might feel overwhelming, but it’s also a chance to meet new people and discover new places. By shifting our perspective, we can transform even the toughest changes into valuable life lessons.
When Isaiah left home for college, he was nervous—scared, even. It was a big adjustment for him. But he knew deep down that it was an opportunity to grow, to be independent, and to navigate life on his own terms. This change has given him the chance to develop his confidence, make new connections, and discover more about who he is as a young adult.
Likewise, when I started working as a special education assistant, I was stepping into something new after 16 years of being an entrepreneur. It was daunting, but I embraced it as an opportunity to do what I love—support students and build their self-esteem. Change may be uncomfortable, but it’s also where growth happens, for both Isaiah and me.
Embracing Endless Possibilities
By embracing change, we open ourselves up to endless possibilities and new adventures. When we let go of fear and resistance, we make room for new experiences that can enrich our lives in ways we never imagined.
Change has a way of introducing us to things we didn’t even know we needed. It can lead us to new friendships, new passions, and new opportunities for growth. When we approach life with an open mind and an open heart, we allow ourselves to be surprised by the beauty and joy that change can bring.
Think of change as a door to a new chapter in your life. While it may be intimidating to step through that door, what lies on the other side could be even better than what you’re leaving behind. Embracing change means embracing the unknown and trusting that whatever comes next, you have the strength and resilience to handle it.
This Is Your Chance to Thrive
Rather than fearing change, embrace it with confidence and curiosity. View each new experience as a chance to learn, grow, and discover what you’re truly capable of. Remember, you are capable of navigating any challenge that comes your way. Trust the journey, focus on the positives, and know that by embracing change, you are opening yourself up to a world of endless possibilities.
This is your moment to thrive. Embrace it, and let the adventure begin!
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Stacey Montgomery
Founder, Stacey M Design Inc.
With my Sunshine and Self-CareTM Greeting Card Subscription Program, I seek to remind us that even as we enjoy supporting others, to also tend to our own needs and goals. Each month it includes a Note to Self card which is a reminder of ways that we can practice self-care, self-love, and self-advocacy. Click here to learn more about Sunshine and Self-CareTM Greeting Card Subscription Program.
©Stacey Montgomery, 2024. All rights reserved.
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