Change. It’s not always about big leaps of faith or turning life completely on its head. Sometimes the hardest changes are the ones you make within the life you’re living, right this minute. In fact, I believe it’s this kind of change we struggle with most. Far too often we’re longing for something momentous to happen that will jolt us out of our daily routine and into another way of being.
But what if I told you it’s possible to change your life – the one you’re in now – one step at a time, and these changes could be the ones that end up meaning the most?
Change doesn’t always have to be dramatic. Instead, get up 10 minutes earlier every day to journal, to meditate or to stretch.
Take a new route to work. Make time to buy fresh flowers each Monday. Take a break, eat lunch in the park or find a little spot to eat away from your desk.
Go to a different section in the bookstore rather than the one you normally head to. Choose a subject that looks interesting; something you’ve never taken the time to read up on before.
Cook something new each weekend. Let go of some stuff. Move the furniture around.
Write down a list of everything you’ve ever wanted to do.
Create a vision board.
Open a savings account and start putting away a little cash each month. Call it your dream money. It doesn’t matter if you have no idea what you’re going to spend it on just yet.
Really consider your clothes. Do you like the way they make you feel? If not, let them go. Wear what makes you feel like the best version of you. Ignore what the trends, ridiculous lists or magazines try to tell you.
You’re too busy for hobbies, or so you say. Start timing how much time you spend every day on social media or watching TV. Learn to say no with confidence and grace. Then I dare you to use your time on things that bring you real joy instead.
Get outside. Breathe fresh air. Feel the sunshine – or even the rain – on your face. Move, move and then move some more. I promise you, something amazing happens when you immerse yourself in nature. Even urban hiking can give you a new point of view.
Don’t buy coffee at your local chain. Get it from an independent café, and stop and chat with the people who work there.
Ask for help with something you’re struggling with.
Stop hanging out with negative people and find positive ones who inspire you to make life count.
Listen to podcasts. Watch TED talks. Be curious.
Go somewhere new. Do something different. It doesn’t have to require a long journey or be something that will make you rich. It just has to make you feel like you’ve lived a little more than you did yesterday. Try looking at the world through different eyes.
I promise you with each little step you take and with each little change you make, you’ll look back and see that you did, in fact, change your life. Small changes can bring you joy plus give you the confidence to make big ones too. They’ll help keep you grounded during those unwanted changes life occasionally thrusts upon us.
8 Comments
Esther, this is so rich with wisdom. Too many people live on auto-pilot and fail to see the beauty in life. As you say, making a few simple changes can make a big difference in how each day is viewed. Thank you for the inspiration!
Hi Susan! Thank you so much for reading and for your kind comment. To be honest, I used to be one of those people and it’s through making simple changes like the ones I’ve outlined which have made all the difference! Esther xx
thanks for giving us practical tips. and you are so right – change doesn’t have to be dramatic. i think i’ll go out and buy fresh flowers today!
xoxo beth
Hi Beth! Thanks for leaving a comment and I really hope you bought yourself those fresh flowers today! It’s amazing what a difference these little things can make. Esther xx
Great advice. Change often seems overwhelming but it really does start with small shifts. Thank you! xo
Thank you for leaving a comment, Jen! I also think the small shifts can be so much more meaningful. I’ve been making lots of little ones in my life lately and each feels like a stepping stone to the next, I feel like I’m building up my confidence and self-belief as I go along. Esther xx
Change can happen in the blink of an eye, like an unforeseen lightening strike, or it can be deliberate baby steps and gradual. Both takes courage and determination. Thanks for your insights, Essie. xoxox, Brenda
Yes, there are so many forms of change, really. I know you’ve experienced your fair share of unwanted change and that you’ve also had the courage to make your own big changes! And I agree, regardless of whether it’s small, big or unwanted change – it all takes courage and determination. Thank you, Brenda! Essie xxxx