“One can choose to go back toward safety or forward toward growth. Growth must be chosen again and again; Fear must be overcome again and again.”
Abraham Maslow
You tell yourself, This is it. Starting now, I’m going to be different.
And maybe for a day, or even a week, you are. You skip the dessert. You hold your tongue. You stay off Amazon. You feel proud—strong, even.
Then life happens. You’re tired. Lonely. Frustrated. And just like that, the old habits creep back in. You start to wonder:
What’s wrong with me? Why can’t I just change and be the person I want to be?
Here’s the truth: there’s nothing wrong with you. But there may be invisible things getting in your way. Let’s name a few.
You Think Change Will Ruin Your Life
You may not say it out loud, but deep down, you may worry that change will take away all the good stuff. That life will be dull without that glass of wine at dinner, that fast-food fix on a hard day, or that saying “no” will mean losing friendships, fun, or even your identity.
You want change, but may fear it will leave you empty. Alone. Bored.
You Keep Convincing Yourself It’s Not That Bad
I can slow down whenever I want.
It’s not like I do this every day.
Other people have real problems.
It’s easier to bargain with yourself than it is to admit that something needs to shift. But somewhere in the quiet moments—when no one’s watching—you may feel it. That restlessness. That knowing.
You Don’t Trust Yourself Anymore
You remember the New Year’s resolution that barely lasted 24 hours. The diet. The gym membership. The planner. The promise to stop going back to him. You’ve seen yourself give up so many times, it might feel safer not to try at all. At least then you won’t disappoint yourself.
You Have No Idea Where to Begin
Even if you’re ready, change can feel overwhelming. And honestly? That’s fair. Big change should feel big because you’re not just changing behavior – you’re rebuilding beliefs! You’re not just tweaking routines – you’re renovating you! Think of it like renovating a house. You wouldn’t start tearing down walls without a plan, a budget, or an expert guiding the process. Personal transformation is the same way – you need support, direction, and steps that make sense.
So Why Even Try?
Because the benefits are real:
- Freedom from the anxiety of spiraling habits or addictions
- Contentment with your finances and daily choices
- Harmony in relationships
- A healthier body, mind, and spirit
That version of you? She’s already there. From the moment of conception you had the potential to grow, to learn and to fight through adversities. And that potential – doesn’t expire. It’s still in you.
Start Small. Start Somewhere. But Don’t Start Alone.
You don’t need a full blueprint tonight. You don’t need to gut the whole house. You just need someone who knows how to help you begin.
That’s what we do at Birthright St. Charles. Whether you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy, postpartum struggles, pregnancy loss or simply feel stuck in life—we see the whole woman, not just the moment you’re in.
You’re not too far gone. It’s not too late. You’re just in progress.
And that’s a beautiful place to be.
