the best part: on embracing change.

Every year when the autumn season rolls around, I automatically find myself wanting to get all cozied up, bake something delicious, and spend time at home with the people I love. There’s just something about the crisp fall air, earlier sunset, and knowing the holidays are around the corner that makes this my absolute favorite time of year.

There’s also the fact that this season is so symbolic of change and transformation. If you would have asked me two years ago what I thought about change, I would have told you I hated it. But these days - after experiencing changes in location, jobs, relationships, and dreams (some intentional, others not so much) - I can safely say that I now embrace change with open arms.

Autumn is the perfect example of how change and transition doesn’t have to be a scary, ugly thing. Instead, the way the leaves change color and weather becomes crisper proves how change can actually be a beautiful thing.

I’ll never forget what has been the biggest change of my life thus far – when I made the decision to move to New York without a job, and knowing only one person here. The most difficult part was moving away from my family because I am so close to them and couldn’t imagine not seeing them every day. But in my heart of hearts, I just knew that moving to New York was something I was supposed to do.

I can still remember the first two weeks, where I sat in an apartment that still didn’t feel an ounce like home. I’d be all alone, crying my eyes out because of how lonely I was. I’d be lying if I said there weren’t a few times where I thought I had made a mistake and considered pretending the whole move just never happened.

But I pushed through it. Instead of resisting, I let the change happen. I let my life move into a new chapter one. day. at. a. time. Slowly but surely, I got a new job. I started going to a new church and making new friends. The nights at home crying became non-existent because I was out enjoying a brand new city, full of experiences and opportunities.

The truth is, I still miss my family more than anything. But the results of moving to New York far outweigh the life I would be living if I hadn’t overcome the fear of change. Now that I’m here, I have more amazing friends in my life than I could have ever imagined. I have a clearer vision of what I want to do with my life, and the type of person I want to be.

Change can be scary. It can be awkward. And sometimes, things don’t always work out perfectly. But at the end of the day, change is a part of life. The question is only whether or not you’ll fight it, or embrace the beauty that could come on the other side…

What does the fall represent to you? When is the last time you experienced change in a positive way?

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