Personal Transformation is how we change aspects of who we are, what we do and the life we lead. It is both the journey – ‘I am transforming’, and the destination – ‘I am transformed’. Engaging in Personal Transformation is a statement of positive intent.
- Mark Evans
Most of my life, I moved from one phase to another, always looking forward to the next without fully enjoying where I was at. I must go to college, done. I must get a job, done. I must get married and have kids, done.Then you retire and enjoy the fruits of your labor, right? Apparently, not always. Whether its economics, life changes or maybe it just took you a little longer to realize that who you are and what you're doing isn't exactly what you thought it would be. Certainly, I felt all of the above.
For me, self awareness began when I started using social media more. It was an eye opener for me. So many different people, living different lives. You mean I don't have to do it this way? Also, I have a young adult on the autism spectrum so that changed my whole world. I was consumed with figuring that out for many years. Therapies, IEP meetings and lots of research was my life.
I began to notice how unhappy people were, especially from 2020. My teaching career, mom hood and me just being me are nurturing, by nature. I needed to help. Usually a personal transformation occurs when there is a catalyst, such as a life change. My mother passing away, COVID, remote learning and other catalysts definitely forwarded or catapulted me into transformation. Realizing how precious life is, how fleeting it can be and how time flies became all to apparent to many.
How does one begin a personal transformation or decide if I need one?
You can begin by talking to people close to you. People who care about you will be honest and tell you how they see it. If you don't have a person in your life that close, then a therapist or life coach would be helpful.
You can also journal about what's going on in your daily life. The happenings, emotions and how they relate to adding positivity or negativity in your life. Check out the important areas of your life. Your home, work, relationships, friends and connections in general. Take time to reflect upon these areas. Do any of these areas need improvement?
Reread your favorite book or look at your favorite movie. They are favorites for a reason. Look for clues as to why they are your favorite. This can be telling in what you may want to change.
Visualization
I'm a big believer in visualizing. I've been doing it since I was a child. I didn't know then it was my way of trying to manifest a reality I wanted. The more emotion I put into my visualizations, the closer I felt to realizing them. Same can be said for transformation. Visualize each portion of your life in the way you really want it. Really get into the details. This isn't a "I want to be rich" wish list. Imagine exactly what you would have, how you would feel and what your day would look like if you had what you wanted. Then ask yourself if this is really what you want. Is this how you want to live?
Is it possible?
Most definitely! First, ask yourself if you are strong enough for the challenges that will undoubtedly come with transformation. Set little daily goals to get you there. Better to make small leaps and succeed then big jumps, only to give up because you fell. Make sure you are consistent. Consistency will make what you're doing a habit and that will also aid in succeeding. Make sure you celebrate your successes! Whether that be sharing with a trusted person or treating yourself. Intentions are great but results are what will give you momentum to keep going.
Let me know if you feel you are thinking that a part of your life needs transforming. I feel, personally, something is big on the horizon. I have felt that way for a while but my intuition is telling me it's coming sooner rather than later. The excitement I feel is palpable.
Good luck!