Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future. -John F. Kennedy

Change is too often depicted as the “boogeyman” of life.

Lurking in the shadows of your perfectly fine comfort zone, it comes along to shake you awake, scare you a bit, and ask you to risk getting up and going somewhere unfamiliar.

And though we know change is inevitable, we often squeeze our eyes shut, pull denial over our heads, and resist.

But what if we weren’t afraid? What if we got brave and embraced the boogey man in a bear hug? Would it turn on us? Or hug us back?

What benefits of change might we enjoy?

Let’s see:

Insight is gained

Sometimes the benefits of change are centered on lessons learned. Lessons may be unpleasant, difficult, or unfair. They may be thought-provoking, deep, or revealing. Whatever the case, change is a teacher and you can’t help but learn more about yourself as it occurs.

Adaptability is mastered

Change creates flexibility and a solidness in you that isn’t tied to transitory things. As your circumstances, environments, and relationships shift, you learn how to adapt. Freak-outs and breakdowns become less and less a part of your process. Mindful presence and inner calm are allowed to flourish despite life’s unpredictability.

Life upgrades are acquired

It’s difficult to improve your life without accepting change. Waiting, hoping, dreaming, and planning all have their time and place. But a willingness to change gets things moving. To upgrade your income, career, relationship, or home you’ll have to do things differently. You’ll have to change.

Life values are reinforced or reevaluated

Maybe you never thought to question the way you were raised. Perhaps you feel out of synch with the values of your family or community. Embracing the benefits of change allow you to open your mind, examine your prejudgments and standards, and explore your core principles. A shift in perspective may necessitate a departure from the old for more authentic self-expression or to reinforce your values.

Confidence is built

If you are in the habit of resisting change, you may be so prone to fear or insecurity that you quit opportunities and challenges before you really give them a chance to blossom. The “big change” that looms on the horizon inevitably feels like too much too soon. So you give up. But if you learn to see your life as a series of smaller, more manageable changes, you’ll feel more competent and accomplished with every successful shift. Soon, the big change will simply be the final rung on the ladder toward your highest goal.

Strength is attained

Change is not always the precursor to fairytale endings. Yet, every time you overcome a difficult change, you have the opportunity and satisfaction of becoming mentally and emotionally stronger and wiser.

Opportunities arise

Whether you accept change as it comes or strike out to make change happen, departure from your usual course will bring a host of new options and opportunities. Things you never thought to try, connections you never dreamed of making, and self-discoveries you never thought to investigate will result from the changes you make and the change that comes to you.

Adventure ensues and change becomes a friend

No more boogey man. Change simply signals new chapters and fresh starts. Life looks bigger, more exciting. A truer reflection of what you dream and hope for yourself.

The benefits of change are often really good. Change is ready to take you on a thrill ride.

Don’t stand still.

When change gives you a push, go with it.

Explore it.

Live.