Change.

I'm going to be honest: change is scary. Often times we find ourselves like stagnant water; afraid to move in any direction at all. Our puddle is our safe space.

We find comfort in what is known, even if what is known is uncomfortable.

If you know anything about stagnant water, it’s not pretty. It grows bacteria and becomes murky over time, continuing to collect a plethora of undesirable things, until eventually, it evaporates away.

I've been thinking lately about the importance of embracing change; the necessity of feeling the discomfort of stepping outside of your comfort zone. Becoming moving water. I had a wonderful teacher who once told our class something along the lines of, "It's great to live in your tiny hometown, but don't choose to live there for the rest of your life until you've experienced living somewhere else first."

This has really stuck with me, and not just regarding staying in my hometown.

I am, admittedly, a creature of habit. I enjoy routines and schedules. But lately, I have found myself becoming more spontaneous and open to change. I had planned to graduate nursing school and work in the hospital that is close by; the one that I know well. But something switched, and now in just a few short months, I’ll be moving to a brand new city, working at a completely different hospital, and in a completely different specialty than I anticipated.

Am I a little bit scared? Do I sometimes (often) think that I made some sort of mistake? Absolutely. But I am trusting that God has put this spirit of adventure in my soul for a reason. I don’t really know why exactly, but I feel like I’m being called to put myself out there. To do the things that scare me.

But, I digress.

My point is, that it’s okay- healthy, even- to change. To grow. To flow. Plants don’t flourish when they stay in the same tiny pot. Water grows murky when it sits still. Birds don’t fly until they’re pushed out of their nests. Nature has a funny way of teaching us such things, if we would stop and pay attention now and again.

Grow away from old friends who don’t support you or who you just don’t “click” with anymore. Move away from hometowns that don’t have the experiences you’re looking to find. Chase after the dreams that other people deem “silly” or “unrealistic.”

Find an environment in which you can flourish. Change that environment often, if that’s what you need.

Whatever you do, don’t grow deep roots in too small of a pot.

Change before you’re stuck.