Preparing for a New Beginning: Steps to Embrace Change

For more than a year, I’ve felt like that one character in a movie scene who stands still as everything else around them rushes by in a blur. Days have been hazy, memories often uncertain, leaving me questioning if those moments actually happened or were just distant dreams. The world may feel like it stops after loss, but it doesn’t—it moves forward, leaving us to either stand still or learn to move with it. And lately, I’ve felt an undeniable urge to start moving forward, even if I’m still unsure where I’m headed. Because sometimes, simply moving is the best way to discover clarity.

Since late October, I’ve been ready for a new beginning. I don’t have a clear vision of where this new life will lead, but I know it’s time to create space for new opportunities and prepare for the next chapter. Moving forward, I’ve decided to take inspired action—not just dream or affirm but to actively work towards what I want. Here’s what preparing for something great means to me and how I’m focusing on practical steps and mental preparation.

1. Setting Intentions, Not Just Goals

I’ve always wanted to be the person who sticks with affirmations and manifesting practices, but I’ve never been great at it. Starting strong, I lose steam a few days later. Maybe that’s because real manifestation requires more than words; it needs action. Meeting my goals halfway by actively taking steps forward feels like a new approach. Two of the biggest intentions I’ve set are finding a new job and moving to a new home—dreams I’ve put in writing, envisioning the specifics I want to bring into my life.

2. Taking Steps Toward Career Growth

For my career goals, I started by investing in professional support. I had my resume rewritten and revamped my LinkedIn profile to be more active in building connections. Every day, I dedicate one or two hours to online courses to build my skills, believing this effort will help meet the right opportunity halfway. I’m aiming to step confidently into that next job I know I’m meant for, prepared and ready.

3. Creating Space for a New Home

When it comes to moving, I might not know the exact destination, but I’m taking practical steps to prepare. I’ve started slowly clearing out my apartment, returning it to its original state. I’m stripping things down bit by bit, working on one room at a time. I finished my bedroom first, patched holes, painted walls, and reinstalled the original ceiling fan. I packed up what I don’t use—those items I’d likely only look at once or twice a year. This part is both practical and healing; it’s clearing physical space while mentally preparing myself for a fresh start.

My drive to prepare for this new home is also a promise I made to myself. In 2017, I had only seven days to relocate for a job in Florida. I left my boys behind temporarily, flying back and forth for months to visit and pack my life away. It was hard, and I promised never to go through such a rushed transition again. This time, I want to be prepared well in advance, ready to make the move when the right opportunity comes.

4. Focusing on Inner Growth and Mental Preparation

Preparing for change isn’t just about updating my resume or decluttering my space; it’s also about mental preparation. Moving forward, I’m focusing on building resilience and staying grounded in the belief that something great is ahead. This part of the journey includes:

• Embracing Uncertainty: Even though I’m unsure of where I’m going, I’m open to discovery. By releasing the need for absolute control, I can embrace the unknown with a sense of curiosity.

• Practicing Self-Compassion: I remind myself that it’s okay to feel uncertain and that moving slowly is still progress. Just as life has its ups and downs, so will this process.

• Celebrating Small Wins: Every effort matters, whether it’s spending an hour on LinkedIn or clearing out a closet. These actions may seem small, but each one brings me a step closer to the life I am certain I want.

  
  

5. Finding Inspiration in Every Day

Staying inspired during this transition is an ongoing journey. Every morning, I try to find something new to appreciate. It might be a new skill I’m learning, a small breakthrough at work, or the satisfaction of an organized space. I remind myself that these moments are the building blocks of the life I’m preparing for.

6. Creating a Space for Reflection

When preparing for something great, I’ve realized the importance of having a space where I can reflect on what’s working, what’s not, and where I’d like to improve. This means dedicating time each week to sit with my thoughts, and check in with myself, asking questions like, Am I still moving towards my goals? and How do I feel about my progress? These check-ins provide the space I need to recalibrate my path.

Final Thoughts: Prepare to Meet Greatness

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that taking action, even small steps, is how we meet greatness along the way. Waiting and hoping are only half the battle. I’m choosing to prepare actively, to meet new opportunities halfway. As I work toward this new chapter, I feel hope filling the spaces that used to hold doubt and hesitation.

If you’re also in a season of preparation, know that it’s okay to start small. Break down big goals into manageable actions, create space for the things you’re hoping for, and trust that with every effort, you’re laying the foundation for something great.

Remember: The path may not always be clear, but clarity often comes through the journey. So, let’s keep moving forward, one step at a time, and trust that greatness is waiting to meet us along the way.