I’m sure you’re familiar with the saying, “The only thing constant is change.” No matter how hard you try, you can’t stop it.

You already know that your life can’t stay the same forever. Even though you know this, it can seem a little overwhelming when it happens.

The very thought of changing can make a person uneasy. That’s why a lot of people will remain in the same mental place until they’re forced to change.

Instead of being repelled by change, it would be so much easier to just go along for the ride and let change benefit your life.

Do you get a little annoyed when someone tells you to embrace change?

You roll your eyes and think, “Yeah. It’s so easy for YOU to tell me to embrace change because you aren’t ME. You don’t live my life! Is that even possible? Embrace change?”

Right now, I’m the voice in your head telling you it IS possible to embrace change in your life.

My Near Death Experience Taught Me to Embrace Change

I became extremely ill to the point of literally being days from death in 2008.

My doctor discovered that I was born with a small liver. This meant that my liver has to work harder to get rid of toxins in my body.

To make matters worse, I wasn’t the healthiest person at the time. I abused drugs, I barely slept, and didn’t eat the right foods or no food at all.

I’m shaking my head as I share this with you. I didn’t respect myself or my body back then.

What happened for me to totally live sideways?

I come from a middle class family. I wasn’t abused, ignored, or in lack of anything growing up. I grew up in a stable household with a military dad and a nurturing mother in the medical field.

I was such a disgrace to my parents. They didn’t raise me that way. I’m blessed that they didn’t write me off a long time ago.

Back to my liver.

My doctor instructed me to go home, go to bed, and stay there until I was better. I laughed because I had a family to take care of. He told me that it was the only way my body would bounce back.

That meant I had to make a decision to change. I didn’t want to. I guess I wanted to wallow in my crap a little longer.

Denial is Such a Terrible Thing

I knew that I had to eat right, sleep, and refrain from putting toxic things into my body. I either had to change or die.

I underestimated how long it would actually take for my body to heal.

I had been on bed rest for half a year. I drained my savings, retirement, and paid leave to financially get by.

Even though my ex worked two jobs, it wasn’t enough to get the important bills paid. I couldn’t go back to my job because I was still extremely ill.

I felt helpless, scared, and useless. I knew I had to figure out another way to not end up homeless.

It’s amazing how your mind will come up with brilliant ideas, when change is forced upon you.

In 2008, I built my first online business from the ground up while on mandatory bed rest for almost a year! I didn’t have prior experience, knowledge, or connections in the entrepreneurial world.

My near death experience allowed me to discover a new world of possibilities and live a different life as an entrepreneur.

A wonderful life of selflessness, love, and freedom.

It snapped me out of a life of drug abuse, pain, misery, and unhappiness. I don’t regret the things that I’ve done in the past.

I’m forever grateful for my wake up call because I wouldn’t have grown into the woman I am today.

You may be at a point in your life where you want to change but don’t know how to embrace it.

How to Embrace Change in Your Life

Change can be intentional or change can be forced upon you. Either way, it doesn’t make the situation easy.

Change isn’t supposed to be easy.

I can only share some of the things that I have done and currently do to embrace intentional or forced change.

1.) TAKE YOUR BRAIN TO THE MENTAL GYM.

Your brain is like a muscle. You can actually train that brilliant brain of yours to cope with change.

Reading every single day will do wonders for your mind.

If you haven’t read a book since grade school or college, then it’s time to hit the books on your own terms. It’s best to read a variety of books on different subjects.

It may be challenging at first but just focus on reading a few pages at time throughout the day.

Before you know it, you’ll be zipping through an entire book within a couple of days. Reading will stimulate your brain to think differently and solve problems quickly.

If you’re still having issues reading a book right now, then mix up how you absorb content. You can listen to podcasts and audio books. They are great to listen to while running errands, cleaning the house, and travelling.

Your brain is an amazing vessel. Use it or lose it.

I found it extremely helpful to answer a few journal prompts on a daily basis drastically altered my thoughts, beliefs and actions to change my life.

2.) FIND SOME SMART FRIENDS.

If the company you keep isn’t helping you stretch your mental capabilities, then find smart friends.

Ditch people who are enabling you to not get ahead. You know who I’m talking about. This can even mean that you must set some boundaries with your own family.

I understand it may be difficult to cut ties with people you have known for years. You’ll feel that way until you realize that some of your ‘friends’ don’t want you to get ahead.

They want you to stay the same. They will consciously or subconsciously try to bring you down.

I’ve experienced this myself and I’m not the only one. You’re indirectly forcing them to look in the mirror.

The goal is to develop strong bonds with people who are interesting, successful, ambitious, and have it together.

3.) GO TO A QUIET PLACE AND EXERCISE.

Everyone knows that regular exercise is good for the body. Exercise is also one of the most powerful ways to improve your mental health.

No matter your age or fitness level, you can use physical activity to feel better and embrace change.

You don’t have to go to the gym or do some type of exercise you loathe. Figure out what type of exercise works for you.

I’m not a medical professional, so it’s best to talk to your doctor before you start any type of physical activity.

My favorite type of physical activities are to hike and cycle the mountain trails. There’s something about being in a quiet, natural environment during times of change. The quietness has gives me a moment to reflect on my life and how much I have changed over the years.

Embracing Change Comes with Great Rewards

Some people know they need to change but they don’t.

Even if their circumstances are downright sad, they will stay where they are. They’re used to being comfortable in an uncomfortable situation.

They will choose to play the victim and not do anything to change their situation.

How about you?

Are you choosing to stay where you are because you’re afraid to make an intentional change?

Don’t be afraid.

If you choose to stay where you are, then you’ll never know what amazing life will be waiting for you.