Change can be so tough for some of us! Exhilarating for others. I have a friend who loves change. She moves often and loves new adventures. Whenever we get the rare chance to get together, she always wants to try out a new place.  When I see her, she usually has a new trendy hair style. 

I, on the other hand, have lived in the same five-mile radius most of my life! I order the same thing from the menu and have had the same hair style since kindergarten!  I like consistency! If I’m honest, change makes me very uncomfortable and usually messes up my Tyler-controlled atmosphere. 

The start of this school year has been a change for my kids. My 7th grader is in a new building with several teachers and older kids. My 4th grader is in a new building in a new program with new expectations of her.  This is the first year they aren’t on the same campus…that has been tough for little sister. As I help my kids journey through changes this school year, I know this is the time to make healthier ones for myself. 

How can we take this time to make changes that will benefit ourselves and our families?  Here is what I’ve been praying through…

• Starting each day in devotion, prayer, and in the Word. I need that time before the rest of the world wakes up. It means waking up a little earlier. It means trying to go to bed earlier. But it’s a discipline I know I need and won’t regret. 

• Finding moments throughout the day to be connected to God. Listening to encouraging music in the car on the way to and from everywhere I go.  Taking a walk and allowing myself to just breathe. I know that some days that walk will only be from my car to the grocery store but in that moment I will take that as a win. 

• Talking with people. Most days, I can’t meet with others. Many times, my introverted self is good with that. But I know it’s important to let others know my struggles and then be there to encourage them, too. Even if it’s a text message. Isolation will suffocate us. We need community.  If you struggle with community, this is a good start. I’m glad you are here. 🙂

Change bothers me! But, I know we need change to grow. My kids need change to grow. Your list may look very different than mine. Maybe you are already doing all of those things. How can you go a step further? 

Let’s use this time to launch into a new beginning for ourselves. I’m tired of being tired. I’m tired of losing my cool at times and overall feeling stressed.  There is a better way. 

I hope that you will take the time to write down a few things that will help you be a better you. I pray that we will give ourselves grace when we  don’t follow through, and that we will start again and begin to see God change us from the inside out. 

Praying for you! Share ideas that help you below! It might help someone else today, too. 💕