For Those Who Crave What’s Exciting and New, But Are Terrified of Change.

“I wanted change and excitement and to shoot off in all directions myself, like the colored arrows from a Fourth of July rocket.”
― Sylvia Plath

Right now, it’s Thursday at 2:15 PM, and I’m sitting on my couch, drinking a cup of coffee. Not working. Not worrying about a damn thing.

Just kidding.

I’m always worrying. But, regardless, and if you couldn’t tell already, something is different. Something has changed.

Have you ever found yourself in a transition period? Maybe you’re home from college for the summer, or you just moved to a new city, or maybe you’re about to begin a new job… like me.

Hence why I’m sitting on my couch. Contemplating change, and just how scary it can be.

Honestly, I don’t think it’s the change itself that’s scary, because you don’t technically see what’s changed until you look back and realize what was and what is are now two different things. I believe it’s the transition period that’s the scariest. It’s the interim of letting go of the past, but still being uncertain of what the future holds. Funny enough, Daniel Radcliffe expresses what transitioning feels like quite well when he says:

“I suppose whenever you go through periods of transition, or in a way, it’s a very definite closing of a certain chapter of your life – I suppose those times are always going to be both very upsetting and also very exciting by the very nature because things are changing and you don’t know what’s going to happen.”

Yeah, Daniel. Sounds about right.

But, I have always craved what’s new exciting, as most do. However, when I’m presented with what’s going to elicit the new and exciting adventure I shy away, because I know what’s constant and present is about to change.

Except this year. This year I told myself I wasn’t going to live in fear. I was going to step outside of my comfort zone, and I’ve never been more uncomfortable in my life. But, as I look back over the past few months I can only see good things. And I’m proud of myself for taking these chances.

George Bernard Shaw once said, “Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” Change is inevitable, and progress only comes from change. But, in order for change to occur there has to be a transitioning period. Which, for me and I’m sure for many, tends to cause anxiety and fear. And that’s normal. I’m normal. You’re normal. And anxiety isn’t something that should be feared. It’s how you handle your anxiety during this period of transitioning that will allow you to get through it.

So, until I start my new job, I’m going to look at this transition period as a time to focus on myself. On preparing myself for the journey ahead. And I’m going to find the joy in the fear of the future, because this is the new and exciting adventure I’ve been wanting. And if you’re currently in a transitioning period I challenge you to find the joy in it, as well. Yes, it’s scary, but it’s good. It’s so good. And if you find yourself feeling nervous about the changes ahead tell yourself what I always tell myself, “We’re all alright.” Cause it’s true. We’re all going to be alright. (Yes, that is a That 70’s Show reference).