We are increasingly averse to engaging in the uncomfortable luxury of changing our minds, which is, of course, the primary practice of personal change and growth. 

As human beings, the possibilities of what we can accomplish appear to be limitless.

We can do and be a whole lot.

Check us out since the beginning of time — when God breathed his spirit into us or when the big bang happened, depending on your frame of reference.

Humans are capable of all manner of love and hate, of progress and destruction, of stability and unsteadiness. History tells us so and so does our present. (Another post, maybe?)

But there’s one thing we seem to forget, especially when we fall short in our humanness in some way.

We are only human.

Some of us denigrate ourselves for being less than perfect.

Others waddle in failure and mishap, making them the focus of their existence.

And let’s not talk about how we pack up shame and guilt and carry them around while we’re on our journey too.

Granted, we are who we were created to be – human. Yet we sometimes fail to realize we were given the ability course correct when we don’t live up to our own expectations and when it matters, the expectations of others. 

Humans can change and grow, thank goodness, as my inspirational quote for this post suggests. And I’d like to share insight about three ways to change and grow using our mind, body, and soul.

Changing Our Minds

I had a hard time changing my mind in my 20s. I held onto beliefs so tough I became loyal to them eventually. Beliefs turned into decisions that weren’t the best.

Like the time I convinced myself to follow the African Hebrew Israelites and move my 2-year daughter into a communal house, with the goal of moving to Dimona, Isreal one day.

A few things transpired interrupting my beliefs, and once the bubble burst, I realized I had changed my mind. I didn’t want to do any of that, but my stubbornness convinced me that I did.

Had I held on to those beliefs and refused to change my mind, I would’ve missed all of what my life has been. Many of us are stuck because we won’t change our minds.

Starting Over

In my life, moving has represented the theme: starting over. I joke about being a metropolitan gypsy because I have moved a lot over the years.

Not that I’ve liked moving at all, but looking back now, each move happened in different seasons of my life. I needed to make those moves to refresh and begin anew.

I’m not suggesting anyone move the way I have. It’s ridiculous. But if you’re not pleased with your current “headspace”, consider these steps to help you start over.

1. Admit it. Where your head’s been residing isn’t working anymore.
2. Consider somewhere else and explore the benefits of moving there.
3. Move. You are not a tree.

Feeling It All

I’m so inclined to go with the vibe that’s easy. I trust what I perceive to be light, truthfulness, and honesty. This vibe feels good to my soul and I flourish in it.

On the flip side, when my soul brushes up against another vibe that rubs me the wrong way, I want to avoid it. I know it’ll cause me to wilt and I hate that.

There was a time, recently, when I didn’t have a choice in the matter and I was forced to wilt. I stayed there for over a year, feeling it all.

Imagine how a wilting flower feels — bowed, weak, and droopy. That’s exactly how I felt.

It was in this moment of my life that I learned resilience, established boundaries, and intentionally took care of myself as best as I could. I needed to learn how to endure hard times. Once I changed my mind and started over, I gathered my strength and began the slow process of blossoming again. Because I felt it all, I appreciate life so much more than before.

Why don’t you give the 3 primary practices of personal change and growth some thought? What if you changed your mind about something? Can you imagine what in your life would be different? Do you need to move so you can start over? What vibe are you not allowing your soul to feel because it rubs you the wrong way? What if you felt it all? Grab your journal and write a response for a personal reflection. Email me at zoe@gonegirlgo for a private exchange. Or comment below for a community experience.