How to Navigate Change: My Personal Journey and Key Lessons

I still remember the mix of excitement and fear the day I left everything familiar behind in France to start a new life in Canada—a leap into the unknown that would change me forever.

September 2025 marks my 23rd anniversary of that life-changing move.

Looking back, I can see how that leap shaped me in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

Fresh out of school, I left behind everything familiar and dear to me—my family, my friends, my neighborhood, and the rhythms, tastes, and traditions that made life feel like home. I even missed the little comforts I’d always taken for granted, like fresh baguettes or my favorite cheeses 🙂.

Starting over in Canada was both exciting and intimidating. I felt curiosity, joy, and hope, but I also carried nervousness, fear, and self-doubt. I didn’t know where this new chapter would take me, or who I would become along the way.

The truth is, it wasn’t always easy. There were moments of discomfort and uncertainty. But over time, I’ve come to see that those very moments were what helped me grow. The unknown, as unsettling as it felt, was also the place where new beginnings took root.

Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about navigating transitions. Here are six lessons that continue to guide me:

• Embrace Uncertainty & Step Into the Unknown
  Leaving the familiar behind is never easy, but uncertainty is often the space where transformation begins.

• Cultivate Patience
  Rome wasn’t built in a day—and neither is a new life. Change unfolds at its own pace. Patience creates space for growth, clarity, and new insights to emerge.

• Engage in Self-Discovery
  Transitions pull us off autopilot. They invite us to pause and ask: What do I value? What matters most? What strengths can I draw on? What brings me joy? Without this reflection, it’s hard to create lasting, meaningful change.

• Celebrate Small Wins
  Too often we wait for the “big” achievement before celebrating. But the real magic lies in the small steps—introducing yourself to someone new, speaking up in a meeting even if you’re an introvert, or trying something different, like a new recipe or a class at the gym. Every step counts, no matter how small.

• Let Go of Outcomes & Embrace Possibilities
  It’s natural to set goals, but life rarely follows a straight path. Focusing only on outcomes can blind us to the beauty of the journey and sometimes lead to disappointment. Often, the most meaningful moments are found along the way, not at the destination.

• Lean on Your Support Network
  I used to believe strength meant doing everything on my own. Over time, I’ve learned that true courage lies in asking for help and allowing others to support us. We’re not meant to figure it all out alone.

Transitions are hard!

But it’s often in the moments of discomfort that growth, resilience, and renewal take shape. Looking back, I’m grateful for the challenges, the lessons, and the unexpected turns. They’ve shaped who I am today.

I hope my story reminds you that even the hardest transitions can open doors to growth, possibility, and a deeper sense of what you’re truly capable of.

Thank you for reading, and for being part of this shared space.

Keep shining, 🦋
Laura