Sometimes the greatest discovery is that we can all create a better future by embracing change
Last year I stood at a crossroads, faced with a decision that seemed to challenge every fibre of my being. I was given the opportunity to move to the picturesque surf town of Raglan. However, this meant leaving behind the comfort and familiarity of my beloved hometown, Piha.
As a 35-year-old mother of three, deeply ingrained in the community and the rhythm of Piha’s waves, the prospect of uprooting our lives filled me with hesitancy and doubt. The thought of making new friends, the kids having to start fresh at a new school and putting my cherished little beach house up for sale weighed heavily.
But amidst all my fears and uncertainties, I found a glimmer of bravery within me. Despite not knowing if I was making the right choice for my family, I made the scary decision to embrace change.
I sold our beloved beach shack and embarked on a journey to Raglan. We moved into our new, and infinitely more practical home about a month ago, and now that I’m on the other side, I can’t help but reflect on what helped me to make it here.
The allure of pursuing big change, whether it be launching a business, relocating to a new city or seizing a long-awaited promotion, is exciting. But often, the thought of failure takes over, paralysing us from moving forward.
It took me an agonising six months to come to a solid decision about moving to another part of the country, and on reflection, I wish I had made the decision sooner. Limbo is not a fun place to be in for an extended amount of time. Perhaps you, too, are also stuck in a limbo chapter in your life?
So, how does one embrace bravery, and move in a courageous new direction? Here are a few lessons I’ve learned along my journey, and I hope you find them motivating for your own.
1. What’s the worst thing that can happen?
Confront the worst-case scenario head-on and make peace with it. Accept that failure is not the end, but rather, a stepping stone on the path towards living the life you’ve always wanted to live. If you end up deciding you have made the wrong decision, then that’s wonderful. At least you tried and can continue your journey from there.
2. Use fear as your motivational tool
Reframe your self-perception as courageous. Acknowledge that courage is not the absence of fear but the willingness to confront it head-on and forge ahead despite its presence in your mind. Let the fear guide you towards taking action.
When you wake in the morning, tell yourself “I feel you fear but I meet you with courage” or a similar affirmation that resonates with you.
3. There’s no growth without discomfort
Embrace discomfort as a beautiful catalyst for growth. When you embark on new endeavours, you begin to move into uncharted territory, which typically feels uncomfortable. But with each discomfort comes the opportunity for expansion and tremendous new discoveries.
In most cases, you can’t experience one without the other. Reframe your perception of discomfort as a necessary part of you consciously choosing the life you want to live.
4. Plot your desires for the journey ahead
Create a vivid vision for your future and imbue it with your core values. Make a mood or vision board if you like. Get crystal clear on what a tangible roadmap for your journey looks like, complete with milestones and aspirations that reflect your deepest desires. Have fun with this and put it in a place where you’ll see it every day.
5. Cultivate a healthy and strong mindset
Become good at making decisions from a place of empowerment, not weakness. The best way to do this is to harness movement and nature as a tool for emotional strength. Engage in activities that invigorate your body and mind, whether it’s a long hike through nature, or a refreshing dip in the ocean.
Do what you need to cultivate a mindset of strength and resilience. Move your body, feel good and make your decision from there.
6. Seize the day
Lastly, the key to courage lies in taking action. Start with baby steps, if you must, and trust in the resilience of your own spirit. I once heard that the window of opportunity only lies open for
a short moment, and that it needs to be taken advantage of quickly.
I do believe that your life can change in one moment, from one empowered decision. How exciting and exhilarating this can be.
Words: Eleanor Cripps
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