There's something humbling about changing your mind. When you're younger, you think changing your mind means you were wrong. Now I think it means you've grown. I used to believe strength looked like holding firm to every opinion, every plan, every expectation. But strength, I've learned, sometimes looks like loosening your grip.
Here are a few things I changed my mind about:
Being busy means being productive. I used to wear busy like a badge. Full calendar. Full schedule. Full exhaustion. Now I know busy and fruitful are not the same thing. Some of my most meaningful days look slow and simple.
Saying yes make you kind. I thought the good women were the ones who always showed up, always volunteered, always helped. I've learned that saying no can be just as loving--especially when it protects your peace and your family.
Rest is lazy. I don't believe that anymore. Rest is stewardship. Rest is wisdom. Sometimes rest is obedience.
Everyone has to understand me. They don't. And they won't. And that's okay. I don't need universal approval to live an honest life.
If something is hard, it must be wrong. Some of the hardest seasons shaped me the most. Hard doesn't automatically mean you're off course. Sometimes it means you're growing roots.
Friendships should last forever. I used to think every friendship was meant to go the distance. Now i see some people were seasonal-- meaningful, but not permanent.
I have to be the strong one. Strength doesn't mean silent. It doesn't mean carrying everything without help. I've changed my mind about what resilience looks like. Sometimes it looks like asking for support.
My body will always cooperate. It doesn't. And that's not betrayal-- it's reality. I've learned to listen instead of push. To care instead of criticize.
Success looks impressive. Now I think success looks peaceful. It looks like a steady heart. It looks like being present at the dinner table. It looks like sleeping well at night.
Changing your mind is weakness. It isn't. Its wisdom earned. It's experience speaking. It's humility at work.
I'm not the woman I was ten years ago. Or even five years ago. Some beliefs have softened. Some have strengthened. Some have been completely rebuilt. And I am grateful. Because changing your mind means you're still learning. Still listening. Still becoming.
If I change my mind again? That's okay tool. Growth is allowed to be ongoing.
Much Love,
Beth
Comments