How to Make Change Easier (And More Enjoyable)

“If you don’t change your life, this WILL happen again,” my doctor said.

I was 22 years old, sitting in a neurologist’s office, with the left side of my face sagging like I had suffered a stroke.

I had been diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy.

If you’re not familiar with it, it’s a nasty condition that can cause sudden weakness or, in my case, paralysis on one side of the face.

When I tried to smile, only one side moved.

I had to tape my eye closed so it wouldn’t dry out when I slept.

And I couldn’t even eat without drooling or having food fall out of my mouth.

This is not the way I wanted things to be going.

I was young and single. I wanted to go on dates, go to parties, enjoy life!

But instead, I was stuck at home with no end in sight since no one could tell me when or even how I would recover.

It was a rough time, CGC, I’m not gonna lie.

No one really knows what causes Bell’s Palsy but many doctors, like the one I saw, strongly believe it’s related to stress. And he was telling me I couldn’t continue to live my life the same way.

It was time for a change.

I know. Even the word, “change” can make you cringe.

In fact, in Alan Deutschman’s book, “Change or Die”, when people are faced with the choice to change their habits or die, 89% of people chose death.

*record scratch*

Even though we all have the option to change our lives, very few do.

They say it’s hard. It’s uncomfortable. And I don’t disagree. It certainly can be.

Me? I love change.

It represents a new beginning. New choices. New possibilities.

And that’s what I’m embracing in my life right now.

I’m looking at the future and getting very clear on what I want.

And what I want requires me to be a new version of my SELF.

So, I’m making the necessary changes – starting with this blog you’re reading!

In order to bring all of my brands together and speak to people in all of my audiences (like YOU) at the same time, I’m changing the format.

My goal? That I can integrate the work from all my brands (my personal brand, the Institute of Transformational Nutrition, and The Modern Life Coach School) to provide tools that help YOU change YOUR life, in one powerful weekly blog.

So let me know what you think!

Take a read and then reply with your answer to this question…

“What ONE thing would make every blog something you can’t wait to read?”

I will read your answer. I will remain open to change.

PS… My Bell’s Palsy lasted 5 months and I made a full recovery (obviously ). It wasn’t an enjoyable time but I did learn a lot about myself during that experience. More importantly, I made some much needed lifestyle changes that still benefit me today!

SELF COACHING

Yes, change can be hard, uncomfortable, frustrating, and annoying AF.

And yes, the majority of the time, you have to give up something.

But instead of focusing on what you’ll LOSE, focus on what you’ll GAIN.

For example, if you decide to spend an hour every morning working on your coaching business, don’t focus on the time you’ll lose snuggling in your warm bed.

Instead, focus on the joy you’ll gain when you get more clients and help more people.

Focus on the increased income you’ll gain and how that can uplevel your life!

When you focus on what you’re gaining instead of what you’re losing, change becomes simple. Easier.

And dare I say… even enjoyable?! 😊

SELF CARE

As you start to make changes in your life, don’t forget to care for your SELF by mourning the SELF you are leaving behind.

That person has served you well. They’ve got you to where you are. Be grateful. AND… let them go.

It can be as simple as lighting a candle (I love this one in Lavender Cove) and sitting quietly, intentionally feeling gratitude for the person you used to be. You can write a letter sharing why it’s time to move on.

I had one client who had a full-on funeral for her old SELF and invited her friends and family to say goodbye! 😱 You do you!

Just as you would mourn the end of a relationship, a job, or even someone’s life, take the time to mourn your own.

And then, as one does, you move forward with your eye on the future!

SELF MADE SUCCESS

Something I’ve been focused on changing over the years is my personal style. I’m continuously updating it to reflect the new version of mySELF I’m becoming.

When you feel confident and powerful, you’ll show up that way.

This week, I picked up the amazing pink suit you’ll find me wearing throughout this website 😮 that my friend and student at The Modern Life Coach School, Audrey, sent my way. Thanks, Audrey!

What ONE thing can you focus on upgrading this week to reflect your new SELF?