Embracing Change

Displaying my free ‘Change’ printable by Allisa Jacobs (My spiderman snuck into the picture!- Isa)

Sometimes I seek out something new, itching to mix things up. Other times, I cringe at the thought of a different schedules or place. But, as we know, change is both inevitable and necessary. In business, there seems to be a couple types of change – the ones we pursue and the ones that find us. Both can be difficult. Messy. Uncertain. Nerve-wracking. Tumultuous. Fun.

With a new baby, new home, new business direction, and a couple personal curveballs thrown our way, this has been the year of change for our family. The hardest part is not knowing what to do with it all. I tend to clutch tightly to the predictability of what works in the present, but when faced with change, I try to remind myself of this wonderfully brilliant quote from Alan Wilson Watts, the British philosopher,

“The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.”

I really appreciate this sentiment of embracing the change. Facing it, acknowledging it, and maybe even running towards it! In business, this might mean learning new skills, pursuing a new direction, defining a niche, or exploring new opportunities.

Change also means letting go. The notion that when things change in our lives, we are replacing an old with a new. It might be painful or joyous, tiny or enormous, good habit for bad – but any change means that something is being traded. In my personal life, a new baby meant a ridiculously happy dynamic of two boys…but it also meant letting go of how our family used to be. Buying a new home brings with it the excitement of building something together, but also trading that feeling of endless possibilities. In business, we might need to streamline our products, end a partnership, say farewell to a logo, or free ourselves from the repeat cycle of creating. All in effort to welcome the new.

Right now, I’m pursuing a new direction of designing fabric for my wedding clutches and cosmetic bags. I’m also looking at what I need to let go so that I can wholeheartedly pursue this season of change.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, what change are you going to embrace?

Download your free ‘Change’ printable designed by Allisa Jacobs.

Allisa is the dreamer and designer behind the Allisa Jacobs line of handbags and accessories. She delights in the process of making- sketch to finish and has just launched a beautiful new bridal collection.  Allisa also enjoys sharing her entrepreneurial insights as a business coach, empowering others with their creative small businesses.