Emotions Through Change

“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” A. A. Milne

The past two weeks have been extremely emotional as we connected with family and friends before we began our journey into a new state, Idaho. Leaving what we know behind is scary. Colorado has been my husband’s home for the past forty years, and it has been my home since I came to America twenty-four years ago. Although I have moved to different homes within the state, the last time I took such a drastic step in moving and leaving everything I know behind was in 1996 when I left Iraq.

Life is full of surprises and changes. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would move to a small city called Idaho Falls, yet here I am. It’s amazing what transpires when we step into our calling and accept our purpose. My husband and I have yet to identify our purpose, but we trust that in due time it will be revealed. On Saturday, January 30^th, we packed our vehicle and began our drive into the unknown. Our move has taught me a few valuable things:

• I have learned to let go and trust. I have a type-A personality, and I like to be in control of my situations. Since selling our house in November and moving in with my parents, I’ve had to let go of some of my behaviors. I’ve had to release control and accept our situation, go with the flow as they say. What a relief that has been. I never thought I was capable of doing so, but living in a small home with eight people and six pets pushed me to relax and enjoy the moment.

“When you release expectations, you are free to enjoy things for what they are instead of what you think they should be.” Mandy Hale

• I have learned to appreciate my circle of friends and family I have surrounded myself with. As we neared our departure date, our schedule was overwhelmingly filled with appointments to visit friends. I am beyond grateful for our inner circle and the positive impact they’ve had on my family and me. As we journey into a new location, I am more cautious and selective of who I allow in our circle that impacts our lives.

“Do not be deceived: Bad company ruins good morals.” 1 Corinthians 15:33

• I have learned to trust God more than I thought possible. Nothing I have or experience can be possible without my heavenly Father. The more I surrendered and trusted, the more peace and joy I experienced. To be able to let go of my level of control was only possible through Him.

“Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

Change is constant, and it is inevitable. We can’t stop change, but we can adjust our attitude towards change. No matter what type of change you are experiencing today, evaluate your stance and your outlook. How painful is your change? Is it challenging because of your circumstances or because of your behavior? How can you enjoy what you are experiencing right now? Embrace what you cannot control and focus on the growth that will result.