“How strange that the nature of life is change, yet the nature of a human being is to resist change” (Elizabeth Lesser)

Can difficult times and challenges help us grow? You are stronger than you think!

Navigating transition and uncertainty can be so challenging—especially when we face it alone or try to manage it alongside others who might misunderstand us. Of course, we each have our own needs and perspectives, and so do the people around us. Change looks different for everyone, and each of us faces unique challenges in adapting to it. It’s tough enough being an individual, let alone trying to navigate relationships with other humans, who are equally intricate as we are.

You have come a long way and have many things to be grateful for, which can make you question why you feel so anxious or down. You might be doubting yourself, thinking, “I’m not who I used to be” or “I can’t handle things anymore.” But anxiety isn’t just about what you have—it can also come from a fear of losing it. That fear puts your system on high alert, trying to keep you safe. In reality, your true capacity is still there, but it’s buried under layers of stress and overwhelm. When your body begins to feel “calm enough,” you may notice a shift in how you speak to yourself. Instead of harsh self-judgment, it becomes more accurate and compassionate to say, “I’m not feeling like myself right now” or “this feels harder than it used to.”