Outfit details:
Halter Dress - Garage Clothing
Dreams, goals, plans, opportunities, and so much more. These are the words we often hear when a new year rolls in. It’s interesting to me how beginning a new year brings about a desire for change. ‘Change‘ is a strong word. And to my understanding, it is perhaps, also, the strongest word in the English language. It even surpasses another strong word, which is, ‘love’. So, what is change, and why do we chase after it?
When I think of the word ‘change’, three similar words in meaning come to mind: improvement, evolution, and difference. I would describe these three words as the 'impact of change'. Change occurs in our everyday lives for the sake of improvement, our evolution into better human beings, and finally, the longing for something different. We are all longing for something new and different, something better than what we currently have. Well, depending on our circumstances. And even now, I’m sure many of us are already planning our next moves for 2022. We’re already in ‘go-getter’, ‘unstoppable’ mode. We have plans, or, at least, we’re in the process of creating plans. And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. Knowing what you want is incredible. Self-assurance and self-confidence are sometimes all you can ask for in life.
As much as we desire change, it is one thing to hope for something, and it is an entirely different thing to take action towards having the thing that you hope for. A lot of things in life are, no doubt, out of our control. There is only so much we can do. I believe that initiating change in our lives is more about the willingness and courage to try to do the things we want to do, and with those things (whatever they may be), doing our very best. Regardless of the outcome, giving our all to our passions and desires is most important.
Certainly, nothing is set in stone, but one thing I've learned so far is this: The only way you can truly be, or at least, feel in control, is by letting go—Letting go of worry, the fear of being disappointed, the fear of failure, etc. Fear tends to hold us back from doing the things we want to do. It's a very twisted feeling that somehow manages to distort our perceptions, by deceiving us into thinking that we are incapable and unworthy. Fear tells us lies, but the feeling isn't always negative either. Fear can also be fuel for motivation. It can also act as a reflection of our truest and deepest desires.
There is a lot of fear and anxiety that comes with change or new situations. We tend to ask ourselves things like, "Am I ready?", "Do I want this?", "Will it work out?", "Can I do this?". The truth is, no one can ever be fully prepared for the future. Life is a gift box of surprises, detours, and plot twists. Things won't happen exactly in the order in which you plan them. A plan is a great thing to have, but learning to adapt to setbacks and changes in your plan is even better. You should never see a 'setback' as a 'life sentence'. A setback can also be a sail. It means that, perhaps, right now, you aren't moving at the pace you would like to move, but you're still moving. You're still on the journey to where you want to be. A setback is often a sign for us to take a moment to rest, and later on, try again.
Since you fell, you might as well rest.
The quote above is from a Korean drama I am currently obsessed with, called "My Golden Life". I carry this quote every day with me now. It is a daily reminder that failure in life is guaranteed, certainly. However, failing doesn't automatically make us failures. It is okay to rest when we are tired from trying or working hard. It is more than okay to seek shade when we are beaten down by the rain. We are not superhuman, and we're not supposed to be.
2022 has begun. It’s a new year, and hopefully, it will be a promising one with lots to be grateful for. We are all seeking change in some way or another. We are wishing the very best for ourselves. Going after what you desire can be scary, but I think living with the regret of not trying at all or giving your very best to your goals and dreams is even more heart-wrenching. You are not alone in your struggle with anxiety or uncertainty about the future. We are all navigating this tedious yet, beautiful life together.
I hope and pray that this year, you will be more welcoming towards change. I hope you will accept it with courage and an open mind. I hope that this year becomes your year of positive change, in whatever aspect of your life you seek it. Nothing is impossible, as possibilities and opportunities are often created. This year, I hope that you nurture the courage within yourself to create your possibilities. Believe it or not, you’re already on your way there.
Happy New Year, friends! Thank you for being here, and for making it this far. I appreciate you, greatly. See you in the next story.
Warmly, Grace.
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