Embracing Change
At the risk of sounding like a fossil, I have witnessed the creation of the home computer, the internet, cell phones, smartphones, and now, artificial intelligence. I’ve been a part of the birth of the information era and have seen firsthand how technology has profoundly changed our lives—for better or for worse.
Looking back, it’s funny to realize that I have always seemed to arrive a little late to each technological revolution. I tend to pause and wait, choosing to observe the highs and lows before deciding when and how to interact with new platforms. This cautious approach has allowed me space to reflect, but it has also kept me somewhat on the sidelines as the world rushed forward.
I have always felt the risk of wholeheartedly embracing new technology is that we may lose our capacity for creativity and the deeper processes that make life fulfilling. If technology is overused, it can make life a bit too easy and potentially take away some of the qualities that make us human.
Upon reflection, I realize I have become something of a workhorse over the past twenty years. I have consistently embraced life’s challenges, striving to thrive under increasing pressure. I’ve taken pride in my capacity to manage a heavy workload while raising our daughter, running a farm, and building my business.
This year has been nothing short of amazing, and I am so grateful for all that has been accomplished. However, I have come to understand that, with growth, it becomes essential to develop new approaches to time management—it simply isn't possible to do everything, all of the time.
Recently, I spent two weeks in the Yukon, where I had the opportunity to reflect deeply on my future. One key realization is that, in order to focus more on the things I love, I must let go of certain responsibilities and entrust aspects of my workload to others. As hard as it can be to relinquish control, it’s become clear that allowing others to step in is necessary for continued growth—not just for myself, but for everyone involved.
Thinking more about it, I see that technology was created for exactly this purpose. Used as intended, these tools can streamline our processes and actually create more space in our lives for what truly matters. I know I’m not alone on this journey, but for me, reaching this understanding has required thoughtful reflection on how I can grow without sacrificing what feels meaningful and authentic in my life.
This brings me to the heart of the matter: the tension between comfort and growth. Choosing comfort over growth often feels safe—it allows us to maintain routines and avoid the uncertainty that comes with change. But is this really what leads to fulfillment? Or does it ultimately hold us back from reaching our potential? Growth, while uncomfortable, pushes us to stretch our abilities, adapt, and continually redefine who we are.
Most importantly, I’m curious about how others are navigating these same challenges. How are you embracing change in your own life? What fears or hesitations do you notice when you’re faced with an opportunity to grow? When you reflect on your own experiences, do you find that growth has made your life richer, even if it was difficult at the time?
What does comfort mean to you now? Has your definition shifted as you’ve navigated different seasons of life? In what ways is your current approach to change serving you—and in what ways might it be holding you back?
