Change

I used to dislike change. Very much. But if anything is constant in life, that is change.
I guess it all began to change in my mission. We would have transfers (we could call them "cambios" or "changes" in Spanish), and at the beginning of my mission, I would be stressed out and worried about what was going to happen. I was impatient, anxious, and wondering all day until finally we received our assignments. Then one day, I realized, whether I stress about it or not, nothing will be different. If I will be transferred, I will be whether I'm impatient or not. Then, I realized how exciting change can be. Later on, I began to love transfers, wondering what adventure would come next.
This has since "translated" into my everyday life. I get bored with redundancy. Yes, there are some things that cannot (or should not) be changed, like going to school or work. But, little things within them can be changed.

Let me tell a quick story.
When I got home from my mission, I attended a YSA ward out of boundary from where I lived. I guess it all happened so fast, I didn't want to go to a YSA ward just yet, I felt I wasn't ready. However, I went and visited with a friend one day, and I was convinced by a loving high-council member friend, bishop, and other acquaintances from my YW days and high school. I attended this ward for several months. I enjoyed it. I felt comfortable.
Maybe 5-6 months into it, I started feeling like I should switch wards, to where I belonged. It sounded exciting, like an adventure. I had been wanting a change again, being in the same area doing the same things started to bore me. But, my commodity convinced me to stay. I figured since I didn't know many people there, my church participation would decrease and I would just go to the Sunday meetings and nothing else. And, I didn't want that. Yeah, I know. It's a lame excuse. Nonetheless, I stayed.
Now, just a month or two ago, I was a Time To Blossom Counselor. Here, I didn't know anyone except my friend Taylor who was another counselor, and 2 of my cousins who were participants. So basically no one, in comparison to the 250ish girls there. And I loved it. I felt like I could be whoever I wanted to be: my true self. I had fun! I felt comfortable. I wasn't as shy as I thought I was. People loved me for who I was. One day, after a very inspiring talk, I remembered I had prayed before I left to receive an answer that week to know if I should switch wards or not. I was sitting, pondering about how great I felt and how much I enjoyed it. I was with a bunch of 12 year old girls, and they were my friends, because I was my true self. Why can't I be like this always? Then the thought came to me, "You can! In the new ward..." And I decided right there, to move my records to my new ward.

It has now been about a month since I have been a member of the YSA ward I belong, and I have loved it. I feel welcome. I feel like it's where I'm supposed to be. I have been put to work. I have been able to meet MANY new people and make new friends. When I think about my new ward family, I feel happy. It's just right.
Why didn't I jump at the opportunity for change right away? I think because I was comfortable with where I was. But, there is no growth in commodity. Getting out of our comfort zone helps us progress and allows room for change.

Change isn't a bad thing, if we channel it right. I am taking advantage of starting a new chapter in my life as school is starting, to change. I commit to eat healthier, exercise, use less social media, and work on self-betterment. This change will be for the better, as change should be.

I challenge you as well, to make some changes in your life where they are needed. Whether it be among the above mentioned, or something more serious, I encourage you to make the change. Repentance is change for the better, and becoming more like Christ. Leave the bad, the negative, and anything holding you back. And change.
There is never a better moment than now.