You Have to Make Change

Several years ago, I realized I wanted my life to look different.

I wanted to be healthier. I wanted to write books. I wanted to be more financially secure. I wanted stronger relationships and a deeper sense of purpose.

The problem was that wanting change wasn’t enough.

Change requires change.

One book that challenged me to think differently was How to Do the Work by Nicole LePera. The book encouraged me to look at my habits, patterns, relationships, and choices instead of waiting for circumstances to magically improve on their own.

One of the insights that stayed with me was the way the book explores relationships. As I reflected on my own life, I began to realize that many of the people who hurt me were carrying wounds of their own. Broken people often hurt other people. Understanding that doesn’t make their actions right, nor does it mean we should allow unhealthy behavior to continue. But it can help us move from bitterness toward acceptance.

For me, that understanding opened the door to forgiveness. Not because the hurt didn’t matter, but because carrying anger was hurting me more than it was helping me. Forgiveness doesn’t change the past, but it can change the future. It allows us to stop letting old wounds control our present lives.

As I reflected on my own life, I realized that every positive change I’ve experienced started with a decision followed by action.

When I wanted to become an author, I had to write.

When I wanted to improve my health, I had to exercise and make better choices.

When I wanted more meaningful connections, I had to step out of my comfort zone and meet people.

When I wanted to grow spiritually, I had to spend time in prayer, Bible study, and Christian community.

None of those changes happened overnight. Most happened one small step at a time.

A single walk became a fitness routine.

A single page became a manuscript.

One book became several.

One introduction became a friendship.

One small choice became a new direction.

That’s why I believe books, support groups, churches, mentors, counselors, and healthy communities can be so valuable. Sometimes we need guidance. Sometimes we need encouragement. Sometimes we simply need people who will walk beside us while we do the work.

If there is an area of your life you’d like to change, ask yourself this question:

What is one small step I can take today?

Not next week.

Not next year.

Today.

You don’t have to change your entire life in a day. You just have to take the next step.

The life I’m building today didn’t happen because I wished for it. It happened because I decided to do something about it.

Today I am healthier than I was. I hike again. I work out. I write books. I have published stories that once existed only in my imagination. None of that happened because I waited for the perfect moment. It happened because I started taking small steps and kept taking them.

If you’re looking for change, don’t be afraid to seek help. Sometimes that help comes from a book. Sometimes it comes from a support group, a church, a counselor, a mentor, or a trusted friend. We weren’t meant to do life alone.

Because if you want change, you have to make change.

And the best time to begin is today.

— Wendy Sue Maggio