The Quiet Courage to Change

"Changes doesn't ask us to be perfect - it simply invites us to be willing, even when the way forward feels soft and unseen." ~Eva

How to Change Gently (Even When It Feels Messy and Slow)

Hello lovely soul,

The sun’s out today and temps are high-I felt it on my morning run, even early the air was warm. It was a good run, but this time… it didn’t clear my head like I hoped. That one thing was still sitting with me, refusing to go..

Have you ever had one of those moments where a simple sentence sticks with you- like a little note on your heart? (You know, like when someone says something that makes you stop in your tracks... yep, that happened to me recently!)

I overheard a conversation that really made me pause and reflect. It was about change.

You know the type: “Oh, you’re not doing that anymore?” or “Since when do you like that?”I’ve grown-and I’m still growing. I’m not the same  I was 10 or 20 years ago.

Time moves on, interests shift, priorities evolve, and so do we. I’ve grown, learned, changed-and I’m proud of it, even when it’s been hard. Life throws challenges our way, right?

But not everyone understands or embraces change. And that’s okay-until it crosses a line. When someone starts commenting on your growth in a way that feels dismissive or disrespectful, it can hurt. And while I try to walk away with love when I can, I’ve learned that sometimes it’s about staying-with grace-and choosing healthy boundaries, especially with those closest to us, like family.

Still, here’s what I’ve learned: It becomes easier to accept others as they are when you are willing to grow. Change gives you the strength to set gentle boundaries, to protect your peace, and to let others be on their own timeline. Hopefully, their moment will come. But until then, knowing your limits is a kind of freedom.

Okay-enough of my deep thoughts for now! Let’s talk about us-the ones wanting to grow, even just 1% each day. You know that feeling when something inside you starts shifting?

Change is beautiful. But it’s also not easy.

(And that’s okay - you’re still doing better than you think.)

So today, let’s have a little chat - about why change feels scary sometimes, how to be gentle with yourself through it, and a few mindful tips to keep you smiling along the way.

Why Does Change Feel So Big (and a bit scary)?

Here’s the honest truth:

Your brain loves safety. It’s literally wired that way.

(Yes, your brain would happily have you stay wrapped in a fluffy blanket of familiarity forever if it could.) Even if where you are right now isn’t perfect, it’s known. And your mind likes the known - because it feels safe. So if you feel resistance to change, it’s not weakness. It’s wiring. (But good news - your heart is wired for growth, too!)

Why We Sometimes Get Stuck (And It’s Totally Normal)

Change feels scary because:

Fear of the unknown - (“What if it’s worse?” whispers brain)

Fear of failure - (“What if I can’t do it?”)

Comfort zone attachment - (“At least here, I know how things work.”)

Identity fear: (“If I grow… who will I be?”)

Energy protection - (“I’m too tired for a whole transformation, thanks.”)

(If you nodded at any of these - hi, same. We’re human. Let’s hug it out and keep going.)

"Growth isn't measured by how loudly we move- but by how gently we keep going, even when no one else sees it." ~Eva

How to Welcome Change (Without Overwhelming Yourself)

Let’s keep it simple - change isn’t a giant leap. It’s a gentle wobble in a new direction.

1. Awareness is Your Superpower

First step: notice.

(Imagine it like shining a little fairy light on your habits. No judgment. Just curiosity.)

My note:

One tiny shift that changed everything for me?

Catching the voice in my head that said, ‘You’re not ready yet,’ and learning to answer it with, ‘Maybe not perfectly -but I’m willing.’ (And trust me - willingness is where half the magic lives.)

Quick idea for you:

Take a quiet moment tonight-maybe while brushing your teeth or just before bed-and ask yourself:"Where did I choose comfort over courage? And where did I surprise myself?"

(Well yes..I skipped my run this morning-I just wasn’t feeling it-but I did hop on the bike later and pushed through when I really could’ve just stayed cosy indoors. Little wins still count!) It’s not about being perfect. It’s about noticing where you’re growing, even in the smallest ways.

Research note:

Psychologists at Stanford University found that adopting a ‘growth mindset’ - believing you can learn and improve - significantly boosts resilience and long-term happiness.

2. Micro-Shifts is Real Magic

You don’t need to tear your whole life apart to grow.(Please don’t. That sounds exhausting.)

Tiny actions make big momentum over time.

Here’s a quick idea for you: Pick just one thing you can do 1% differently today. One extra deep breath. One more glass of water. One kind word to yourself.

Sometimes change looks so small it feels silly-like swapping the late-night biscuits for a calming cup of herbal tea. (My confession: not always easy-especially when your brain is shouting for chocolate after a long day!)

From my own experience:

When I wanted to shift my eating habits, I started by writing down everything I was eating-just honestly, without judgment. I kept it going for a couple of months, and wow, it really helped me notice patterns. (If you’re thinking of trying this, start small: Set a goal like “I’ll write down everything I eat for 10 days,” or even just one day to begin with. It’s more powerful than it sounds.)

Research note: Even small, consistent food habit changes-like tracking what you eat or switching out just one snack-can support better metabolic and mental health over time.

And remember:It’s not about perfection. It’s about giving yourself one more kind choice each day. One more healthy plate. One more “I’m doing my best” moment.

3. Discomfort Isn’t a Problem (It’s Proof You’re Moving)

Growth feels weird. It’s like new shoes - a little stiff at first, but soon you’re running.

Quick idea:

When discomfort bubbles up, try saying:

“Oh hello, little growth spurt. I see you. Let’s keep walking.”

(Smiling at your own awkwardness is powerful, trust me.)

From my own experience:

Starting a new activity - or getting back into training - can feel so awkward at first.

(Like the first time I picked up weights again after a long break - it felt like I had bricks for arms, not muscles!)

But science says it’s the consistency, not the intensity, that changes the game.

“You don’t have to run a marathon tomorrow. A 10-minute walk today is a victory. A few mindful stretches is movement too. Start where you are. It counts more than you think."

Oh and I just want to add this little note about..

Protecting Your Peace:

Change sometimes means setting tiny, brave boundaries too. Like saying no to one more energy-draining coffee date… and yes to a quiet walk with someone who feels like sunshine. Tiny shifts in who you spend time with build a life that feels lighter, freer, and more like you.

Mindful Tips to Embrace Change (That You Can Actually Use)

Breathe. (Seriously. Deep breaths are magic.)

Yesss… even three deep breaths from your heart can shift your whole energy.

I do it straight after I wake up- I smile, I breathe, and I set the tone for the day. Something like: “Okay… I can make it through this. I’m ready.”

(It’s not a fancy ritual, just a real one. And it works.)

Talk kindly to yourself. (“We’re learning. We’re doing fine.”)

I often talk to myself in the mirror-it really helps me see and hear myself better. If I know a tough day’s ahead, I look right at me and say:“I can make it. Everything is working out for me.”

It might feel a bit awkward at first, but honestly-it sets the tone. It softens the edges of the day before it even begins.

Celebrate tiny wins. (You’re winning more than you know.)

Here’s one of mine: I lay out my running clothes the night before to motivate myself for a morning run. But then 4.30am rolls around and my brain’s like, “Nope, we’re not going anywhere!” Still-I’m proud I prepped. That small step means something.

Some days the win is just setting the intention. And tomorrow? Tomorrow might just be the day I lace up and go.

Rest when you need. (Resting is part of growing.)

Alright, time for one of my little secrets- I take midday naps. Maybe it’s because I’m up at 4.30am (no clue really!), but if I feel I need it, I don’t fight it. I just set a timer- 20 to 30 minutes max-so I don’t end up in a deep sleep dreamland and forget to pick up my daughter from school!

Truth is, rest isn’t lazy-it’s smart. Especially when your body whispers for a pause. Listen. Honour it. Because growing includes recharging, not just pushing.

Visualise your future self. (She’s proud of you already.)

Yes, I’ve mentioned this before, but I absolutely love making vision boards-snipping out fragments of dreams from magazines and piecing them together. It’s a creative, fun way to bring your goals to life, and I can honestly say it works magic.

When you see it all laid out visually, it becomes easier to feel that next-level version of yourself is already on her way.

Final Thoughts: Becoming Is Brave

You don’t have to force a massive transformation overnight.

You don’t have to fight yourself into growth.

You just have to stay willing.

One tiny choice at a time.

You’re not failing. You’re unfolding.

Keep breathing. Keep moving.

Change will meet you right where you are.

I hope this little piece of mine brings you a bit of clarity- or simply reminds you to make the changes you want, in the most beautiful way for you.

Now, I’m off to make another cuppa and enjoy my little break in the morning sun, chatting to the birds before I dive back into my to-do list.

And if I may ask -What’s one tiny shift you’re choosing today? I’d love to hear-but only if it feels right for you. No pressure, just a little space to share if it aligns with where you’re at today.

Thank You for being here

With love always, Eva

"Change will meet you, right where you are."

---

Research

Neuroscience: Brain loves safety (American Psychological Association, 2022)

Nutrition/Micro Habits: Tiny healthy swaps build real change (Harvard Health, 2023).

Movement Science: Consistency over intensity matters more for physical health (British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2023).

Mindset Psychology: Growth mindset boosts happiness and success (Carol Dweck, Stanford University, 2022).

Resilience Research: Awareness and tiny positive shifts rewire brain pathways over time (Neuroplasticity studies, 2022).