MindsetShift

Is The Pain Of Change Greater Than The Pain Of Staying The Same?

Lately, with more free time at home, many of us are noticing those areas of our lives that might need some attention. With fewer distractions from the outside world, those lingering issues—things we were able to push aside before—are now front and center. It’s like life has paused just long enough for us to see what we’ve been avoiding.

For so long, I was a master at avoiding change. I could dig my heels in so deeply that I almost got stuck in place. Fear, low self-esteem, and shame had me convinced that if I ignored the signs, they would just fade away. But of course, they didn’t.
The more I resisted, the more pain I created for myself.

Looking back, I see that most of that pain was self-inflicted. I couldn’t—or wouldn’t—recognize my part in the situation. I told myself that everyone else needed to change, not me. That mindset kept me in the dark and let me play the victim. But what I didn’t realize was that by doing this, I was giving away my power. I was letting my pain control me instead of facing it head-on.

It wasn’t until the pain became unbearable that I finally surrendered. I had to get to that breaking point to become willing to change. And even then, change didn’t come all at once.
It was a slow, sometimes painful process, where I learned to let go of behaviors and patterns that no longer served me.

The Truth About Change

Here’s the thing:
Change is rarely easy, but it’s worth it.
Even now, with over 14 years on this path, I still find myself faced with the need for change. Sometimes it sneaks up on me. Behaviors I thought I had conquered creep back in. It’s humbling to admit that I need to deal with them again.

But the difference today is that I catch them sooner. I’ve learned to set aside my ego and get honest with myself. Change doesn’t have to mean chaos—it can mean growth. It can mean stepping into a stronger, more authentic version of myself.

The Choice is Yours

We have a choice:

  • Stay stuck in the familiar discomfort.

  • Or face the temporary discomfort of change.

Yes, change can be scary. It can be painful. But staying the same—living in patterns that no longer serve us—often hurts more. It’s the slow, grinding kind of pain that wears us down day after day.

This time in the world is an opportunity. We’re all experiencing shifts and uncertainty. Why not use this moment to make the changes we know we need to make? Why not come through this better, stronger, and more aligned with who we want to be?

SLAY OF THE DAY

Do you wait for the pain to become unbearable before you change?
Why do you wait?
Do you believe you deserve to suffer? Why?
What scares you about change? What do you think you need to change right now?
What small step can you take today to create a lasting positive impact?
There has never been a better time to break free from old patterns and choose a path that leads to your best self.

Call to Action: Join the Conversation

I’d love to hear from you.
What’s one change you’ve been putting off that could bring more light into your life?
Share your story in the comments. Let’s support each other in breaking free from the past and embracing the changes we need.
And if you know someone who needs this message—share it with them.
Together, we rise.

Don’t Let Anyone Hold You Hostage In Your Past

There comes a time in our journey when we realize that some people will try to keep us tied to who we used to be.
They may not do it out of malice, but out of their own comfort or insecurity. They might not be ready to see the version of us that’s growing, changing, and stepping into the light.

But here’s the truth:
Who you were is not who you are today.

When I started working on myself, making better choices, and stepping into my authentic self, I noticed something:
Some people clung to the old version of me.
The version they were used to.
The one that made them feel more comfortable, or even superior.

At first, I tried to prove them wrong.
I tried to explain, to show them through my words and actions that I had changed.
I exhausted myself trying to pull them into the present with me.
But eventually, I realized—
That’s not my job.

Your growth isn’t for other people to validate.
Your evolution isn’t up for debate.
You don’t have to prove to anyone how far you’ve come.

Show, Don’t Tell

People will either catch up or they won’t.
Some will need time to adjust to the new you.
That’s okay.

You don’t need to convince them.
Live your truth.
Let your actions speak louder than words.

If they’re holding you hostage in your past, it says more about them than it does about you.
Their inability to see your growth comes from their own fear or insecurity.
It’s not your burden to carry.

Your Growth Is For You

As you continue to step into the person you’re becoming, remember:
It’s not your job to wait for others to catch up.
It’s your job to keep growing, keep evolving, and keep showing up for yourself.

Some people will see your light and rise with you.
Others will stay stuck in the version of you that makes them comfortable.

Let them.
You don’t have to dim your light or shrink back into old patterns to make others feel safe.

Keep Moving Forward

You’ve worked too hard to stay stuck.
Don’t let anyone’s outdated view of you keep you from stepping into your full potential.

You’re not here to live in the past.
You’re here to thrive in the present and build a future you’re proud of.

SLAY OF THE DAY

Are you letting someone hold you hostage in your past?
Why?
How does it feel to carry their expectations?
Are you ready to stand tall in your growth?

Write down one step you can take today to honor who you are becoming.
Take it.
Your story deserves to keep moving forward.

Call to Action: Join the Conversation

I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Have you ever felt held back by someone’s outdated view of you?
How did you handle it?
What’s one action you can take today to stand tall in your growth?
Share your story in the comments. Let’s lift each other up.
And if you know someone who needs this reminder—send it their way.
We rise when we lift each other.