Change. Even the word itself can feel intimidating.

It’s something that many people fear, and I get it—change brings uncertainty, discomfort, and unpredictability.

It’s that unsettling feeling of stepping into the unknown.

Yet, change is also one of life’s greatest constants.

No matter how hard we try, it’s always there, nudging us forward.

Rather than fighting it, I’ve learned the best way is simply to embrace it.

Entering a New Season

As I write this, our family is in the midst of a big shift.

Our son, Noah, just graduated high school this past week, and he’s heading off to college this summer.

He’s our fifth child to leave home, and it’s an exciting yet bittersweet transition for us.

We’ve gone from a lively, bustling house filled with six kids to just one child at home.

It’s amazing—and maybe a little overwhelming—how quickly time flies.

I’ll be honest, part of me is maybe just a little bit excited about the idea of becoming an empty nester next year.

Can you imagine? A quiet house, clean countertops, and less laundry (hallelujah!).

It’s something I’ve known is coming, yet now that it’s almost here, it feels surprisingly daunting.

For decades, our home has been full of laughter, chaos, noise, and activity.

The sudden silence might be a bit strange at first.

This isn’t just a minor adjustment—it’s a completely different ballgame.

After all, I’ve spent the better part of my life managing schedules, cooking for a small army, and multitasking like a professional juggler.

But what happens when the juggling act ends, and I no longer need to balance quite so many things at once?

How do I adjust to a new normal, a quieter version of my life?

Change is Inevitable—And That’s Okay

Here’s the reality: change happens whether we want it to or not.

Each morning we wake up to a world slightly different than the one we went to bed in.

Sometimes the differences are small, hardly noticeable. Other times, they’re monumental, life-changing.

And you know what? That’s completely okay.

In fact, change can be a really good thing—even when it feels overwhelming.

For our family, Noah leaving for college symbolizes growth.

He’s taking a huge leap into independence, adventure, and new opportunities.

Watching him cross that graduation stage, diploma in hand, was a powerful reminder of how far he’s come.

I’m proud beyond words.

Yes, our family dynamic is shifting, but it’s shifting toward something equally meaningful—new experiences, deeper relationships, and exciting opportunities for each of us to grow.

And that’s the thing about change—it’s rarely about loss.

It’s more about transformation.

Sure, we’re leaving behind certain comforts, familiar routines, and daily chaos.

But what we’re stepping into has its own beauty and potential.

Embracing change means accepting that life is made up of seasons, each uniquely beautiful in its own way.

Letting Go of the Fear of Change

So why do we fear change so much?

It’s probably because it means stepping outside our comfort zones.

When things stay the same, they’re predictable. Comfortable. Safe.

But when change comes knocking, we lose that sense of control.

Suddenly, we’re faced with questions we can’t always answer: What comes next? Am I ready for this? Will I be able to handle it?

Here’s what I’ve learned—fear is natural, but it doesn’t have to control us.

We have the power to shift our mindset.

Instead of viewing change as something scary or intimidating, we can see it as an opportunity.

What can we learn from this new chapter?

How can it help us become stronger, wiser, or more fulfilled?

When we embrace change, we open ourselves up to incredible growth.

Think about your own life for a moment. Haven’t some of your most meaningful moments come out of transitions you were initially afraid of?

Maybe it was a new job, moving to a new city, or starting a new relationship.

At the time, it felt overwhelming, but looking back, you can probably see just how powerful those changes were.

Embracing the Quiet Moments

As my house gets quieter, I anticipate a sense of peace settling in—a chance to rediscover who I am beyond being a mom to six amazing kids.

It’s a chance to ask myself what I truly want for this next chapter of my life.

Maybe I’ll travel more, dive deeper into my speaking career, or even write another book.

The possibilities are exciting.

Change can lead us to rediscover ourselves.

It gives us space to pause and reflect on what truly matters.

I’m choosing to see this quieter season as a gift—a chance to reconnect with myself, my husband, and my dreams.

I love being a mother. But motherhood doesn’t define all of me.

Embracing this change is helping me find new dimensions of myself, and that’s something beautiful.

Practical Ways to Embrace Change

Of course, embracing change sounds easier said than done.

How exactly do we move from fearing change to welcoming it with open arms?

One of the most important things I’ve found is to shift my focus from what I’m leaving behind to what lies ahead.

Instead of getting caught in nostalgia or worry, I think about possibilities.

What opportunities might arise? How might this enrich my life?

It helps me shift from sadness or fear to excitement and anticipation.

Another helpful practice is leaning into gratitude.

Rather than mourning the end of an era, I celebrate the incredible moments we’ve had.

I’m grateful for each chapter of our journey, and I’m excited for what’s next.

It also helps to talk about your feelings.

Change often feels scarier when we keep our fears to ourselves.

Talking to trusted friends or family members reminds us that we’re not alone in navigating transitions.

Lastly, be patient with yourself. Change doesn’t feel comfortable overnight.

 Give yourself space and grace to adjust gradually. Be gentle as you learn new routines and rhythms.

A Challenge to Embrace Your Own Change

My challenge to you is this: Whatever changes you’re facing right now, lean into them.

Whether you’re starting a new job, moving homes, sending your child to college, or simply entering a new stage of life—embrace it wholeheartedly.

Let go of the fear, and instead ask yourself, “What incredible things might be waiting for me?”

Change isn’t here to hold us back. It’s here to move us forward, to push us to grow, to challenge our assumptions about ourselves and the world.

Embracing change means choosing to see possibility instead of loss, excitement instead of fear, growth instead of stagnation.

We never truly stop growing. Life is a journey full of shifting landscapes and new adventures.

If we learn to welcome change, life becomes a thrilling ride rather than something to dread.

So let’s celebrate these moments of transition, trust in our ability to adapt, and know that on the other side of change is a richer, fuller life.

And who knows?

The best moments of your life might be just around the corner—waiting for you to embrace them with open arms.