We all want to make changes in our lives – some big, some small. We all want to grow mentally, emotionally or spiritually.

Maybe you want to find a good-paying job. Or you want new or better relationships. Perhaps you want to lose weight, give up a bad habit, or learn a new skill.

When we start making a change, or working our plan, it’s human nature to focus only on the result. But none of us can snap our fingers and instantly make good things happen in our lives.

Change takes effort. Change, like growth, is a process. Change takes time. And feeling bad sometimes is a natural part of change and growth.

We are making changes so we will feel better about our lives and ourselves. But the process of change can be hard, and sometimes even painful.

As you are working toward your goal, you might feel:

• Scared
• Frustrated
• Alone
• Stressed
• Awkward
• Confused
• Or just plain BAD

You won’t feel like this all the time. But the longer it takes to make a change — such as losing a large amount of weight, or going to school several years to get a degree — the more likely you will feel bad from time to time.

Think of the last time you learned do something new, like play a sport, learn a new language, or play an instrument. You were not very good the first time you tried, were you? You probably stumbled, made mistakes, and were slower than others.

But that’s all a natural part of change and growth. The more you did that new activity, the better you got at it – and the better you felt. Right?

The same goes for any type of change. There will be times when you might not be sure if you can make it. You might even want to stop and go back to the way things were before. But if you quit, you will never make that positive change. Then how will you feel about yourself?

When you do feel bad in life, just remember that “this, too, shall pass.” Things will get better if you stick with your plan. And you will be better for it.

Keep looking up!

More Info:

• What Happens When You Take Your Purpose Seriously
• Create a (Career) Plan & Set Goals
• Keeping an ‘Attitude of Gratitude’
• The Pursuit of Happiness

Event: Are you a low-income single mother in the Twin Cities? Attend WAND’s Feel the Fear Workshop May 19.