Personal Changes
There is nothing like them: those are powerful enough to transform anyone’s life and to revolutionize everything in the process. Change can make you be someone you have never imagined; it can mold you into a much stronger person than you had ever been; it can save you or people around you. But, although changing can be empowering, it does not mean it is easy to go through transformation and to recognize this phenomenon in ourselves — which explains why personal change is simultaneously fantastic and nerve-wrecking.
People battle harsh situations to embody their aiming self, going through every step of the way to evolve into a better person. Consciously or unconsciously aware of their actions and behavior, they are guided by life’s unpredictability to let go of past grudges and toxic relationships, to act freely, to chase their dreams, to solidify self-love and self-acceptance. Even though it might be painful, people change naturally in order to protect themselves and others around them.
With that in mind, someone who embraces personal and life changes is admirable, because it can be scary to face those. An example of what these strong people have to put up with in order to live their truth is the life story of the activist Alexandra Gurgel, who, after spending years trying to fit into what society portrays as beautiful whilst endangering her own health, purposely decided to finally free herself from beauty standards, facing her past fear of being genuine. With her personal transformation, she became the first body positive activist in Brazil, once she learnt to express herself and to deeply love her image and soul, despite of anyone’s hatred towards her confidence.
Another incredible person who embodies change is Malala Yousafzai: she had her entire life and purpose altered by a near-death experience. When she thought it was all over, she returned stronger than ever, enlightening herself and her community with her activism in women’s rights and education. She is the perfect example that personal change does not necessarily originate from good events, although it always leads to growth and empowerment.
However, as much as we admire these people and aspire to experiencing such changes, most of us are afraid of change and refuse to acknowledge our own transformation throughout our lives. Truthfully, it might take long to realize that you have come so far in life, that you have overcome all the struggles, that the routine of thinking there was no hope has ended, that you are still alive and strong. For that, it takes a lot of vulnerability and courage, you have to reflect deeply on your life to recognize the changes you should be grateful for.
Therefore, personal change is primary to us. They show us that we have learnt from our mistakes, that it was not all in vain, even if — and specially if — they indicate we have been lost and untruthful to ourselves or, even, that we had not been paying attention to our true purpose in life. Either way, change is important to everyone, because it means that you have stepped out of your comfort zone and that your life has been touched somehow.
When you are open to new habits and ideas within yourself, you clear your mind up from anything you might have been clinging to as your past self. Only then, you are able to start anew in life, you are able to face personal transformation no matter how many times it takes to make happiness, ambition and fulfillment your everyday quest.
