Change is inevitable, but it often scares us. Whether it’s an internal transformation or a new chapter in life, we sometimes find ourselves facing a version of ourselves that we don’t fully recognize.
This resistance to change is natural, but does it really help us? Or can we learn to embrace change as an opportunity for personal growth?
Why Is Change So Scary?
Our brains are wired to seek stability and security. Any disruption to our routine or self-image is perceived as a threat, making us hold on to an outdated version of ourselves that may no longer be accurate.
Yet, if we learn to accept change, it can become a powerful tool for growth.
👉 Want to learn more? Discover how to overcome resistance to change at https://www.mimind.it/mindfulness-coaching-online?lang=en
The Moment I Realized I No Longer Knew Myself
A few months ago, I had this realization. Things that used to work effortlessly—like losing a few extra pounds after the holidays just by going for a run—no longer had the same effect.
This made me reflect on the past ten years:
✅ The birth of my children
✅ Moving to a new city
✅ A major career shift
All positive changes, yet deeply transformative and sometimes overwhelming. And still, in my mind, I kept seeing myself as the person I used to be—the woman who lived alone in Turin, who had complete control over her time, space and energy.
I realized I was looking at my life through the eyes of my past self, without being my past self and without really recognizing or embracing my new self.
🔹 Have you ever felt like your life has changed, but you’re still holding onto the person you used to be?
When I finally acknowledged this, I felt both nostalgia and sadness. Nostalgia for the part of me that I missed, sadness because I realized there was no going back. At first, I resisted. I ignored the confusion. But eventually, I understood that the only way to truly feel good again was to get to know myself all over again.
How to Accept Change and Reconnect with Yourself
If you feel like your life has changed but you don’t fully recognize yourself in it, it’s time to focus on how to accept change.
These are the steps that helped me:
1️⃣ Acknowledge Your Story
Everything you have experienced has shaped you. Looking back with awareness helps you understand who you are today.
2️⃣ Listen to Your Emotions
Sadness, nostalgia, and fear are important signals. Don’t ignore them—try to understand them.
3️⃣ Change Your Inner Dialogue
Instead of saying “I’m not who I used to be,” ask yourself: “Who am I now, and what do I want?”
4️⃣ Make Room for Your New Self
Your past self hasn’t disappeared, but you need to give your new identity space to emerge.
5️⃣ Create New Habits
To feel comfortable in this new phase of life, you need to build routines that reflect who you are now—not who you were before.
👉 Want to work on self-awareness? Read more at https://www.mimind.it/cos-e-la-mindfulness?lang=en
Acceptance & Growth: Change Is Not a Loss, but an Evolution
We can resist change, or we can choose to know ourselves better, accept that we are no longer the same as yesterday, and open up to who we can become tomorrow.
🔹 Only through acceptance can our new self emerge, flow, and truly be felt.
As long as we resist, we remain stuck in an internal battle. But the moment we stop fighting and start listening, we discover new parts of ourselves, unlock hidden strengths, and find new ways to live and express ourselves.
🔸 And you? Where are you in this process? Are you still resisting, or are you starting to embrace who you are today?
✍️ Share your experience in the comments or write me: valerie@mimind.it
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