Kelly Olson Creative

“This tree holds fast to the earth as it turns, its leaves know when to let go.”

This lyric by Katie Dahl, a Door County singer songwriter, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of change. Leaves are changing.  Even in the unseasonably warm Wisconsin weather, they know when to let go and push for change.  

But, we are so resistant to it.

I feel like we’re reactive to change rather than proactive.  I get that if it isn’t broken don’t fix it.  But how often do we take stock of what in our lives needs a tune up?  What’s barely getting by as is? Now I’m not saying to throw the towel in, but I think we all could benefit from stopping and looking at what we can change and strengthen.

There is fear in change, naturally.  They are called comfort zones for a reason.  But if something in our lives doesn’t feel right or fulfilling- something needs to change.  And how refreshing to actually bring about change rather than play catch up after it falls into our laps. So here are some things I’ve done to consider change and take stock of my happiness:

1. Reflection/ journaling- I have always known the importance of journaling, but it wasn’t until this past year that I actually used those entries to serve a purpose.  Dillon and I reflect every Sunday on the same six questions and jot down our answers. (You can get more info here).  But at a point I started rereading and reflecting on our answers, looking for patterns and starting to ask ourselves just how can we change things up to make things even better.  It has helped, and the importance of reflection and change are tangible with a journal.
2. Personal development books-  There are thousands and thousands of personal development or self-help books out there, from career to creativity.  I’ve thought about what books would help me consider making adjustments in various areas of my life, and looked into getting my hands on those titles.  Plus, you can wrangle your friends in for a book club.
3. Adjust your mindset- Easier said than done, but I think the mindset around change needs to, well, change.  It needs to become a positive.  Change should be an opportunity not an ordeal.

So, let’s take a lesson from the leaves: learn to welcome change.

Kelly