Most of us have experienced that moment when we were just so ready for change. Maybe we knew what we wanted — or maybe not? For me, I wasn’t super clear about the “what” — only that there must be change.

For those who are newer around here, here’s a bit about me: I decided to turn my life on its head over the last three years. I moved across the country, got married (in my 40s), and became an entrepreneur. I’m literally ‘living MY dream’ — the life I had been desiring — honoring my values of freedom, love, and peace, living closer to nature, and slowing down.

I will not sugar-coat it — change is not easy, but it’s how we grow!

With all the change in my life, I’ve learned three critical lessons.

Lesson #1: It does not matter how big or small the change is — celebrate doing something new! 

As I made shifts in my life, I started to do things differently. Some changes are as simple as taking a different route to work or going from latt´es to cappuccinos, or as momentous as planning a big cross-country move. But the more I make these shifts, big or small, the more courageous I’ve become.  

It does not matter what the change is; I encourage you to simply try to do something different. 

Tips for celebrating small and large changes: 

• Create a list of ways to celebrate that are doable and meaningful to you. 
• Give yourself high fives every time your change it up — seriously, it works! 
• Share your changes with a loved one, and ask for their support. 
• Put on some great music and dance, dance, dance! 

Lesson #2: Be gentle and give yourself grace. 

Giving grace to myself is something I’ve had to work super-hard at, especially in times of transition. My most formidable critic is me, and when you are making significant life changes, it’s all too easy for your inner critic to show up.

Keep a gratitude journal! Capture daily what you’re grateful for, and go back and read what you’ve written previously.  

Ways to move with grace: 

• Speak to yourself as if it was you speaking to your closest friends.
• Write a letter of encouragement to yourself. 
• Talk or write a letter to your inner critic and ask them to leave.
• Write out a mantra or words of grace. 

Lesson #3: No matter what, make sure you’re doing a lot of self-care 

Anywhere we turn, we see messages about ‘how to self-care’. For me; this is a daily must-do (especially when I’m navigating emotions around change).  I take a simple hot bath (or shower), turn my phone on silent for the evening, watch a feel-good movie (usually a ’90s rom-com), or read a book.  

Sometimes I just remind myself to take a few deep breaths, plant my feet on the ground, and get present in the moment.

Self-care tips: 

• Make a list of what is meaningful self-care for you. 
• Pre-plan self-care time daily, weekly, monthly. 
• Celebrate that you’re caring about yourself!