Change. It’s one of life’s few inevitabilities. So long as you’re breathing, nothing stays the same. For centuries, philosophers have been encouraging us to accept this reality. But I’m stubborn. I’m also a stereotypical Virgo—neurotic, obsessed with perfection, and desperate for control. So, my immediate reaction to change is usually, “Umm…can we not?!”

Because in my mind, change always meant sacrificing the comfort of the familiar. I’d kick into worry mode, anticipating the worst possible outcomes. I’d get too caught up in what I’d lose when things changed to see what I’d gain.

Cue the stress.

Almost as if to tell me, “Gather yourself, beloved,” the universe has thrown more change at me in the last year and a half than I could have ever expected. Some of it has been amazing. Some of it has been scary as hell. But what I’ve found is that even the most dramatic changes have worked out for the best when I stopped freaking myself out.

Funny thing is, that’s been true for the past 26 years of my life. It was true when the training wheels came off my bike and I learned how much riding felt like flying. It was true when I left the perpetual summer of Barbados and discovered the beauty of Canada’s changing seasons (though nothing has gotten me to like winter yet). And it’s been true over the last 18 months.

(I really could have just listened to those philosophers years ago, huh?)

Last year, on my 25th birthday, I wrote a blog post about the 25 life lessons I’d learned in my quarter century on earth. But this year, the one lesson that’s been most important to me is this: embrace change because change creates growth.

That doesn’t mean I’m suddenly in love with change. Let’s not be drastic. But I have learned the value of pushing past the panic.

Of course, that’s easier said than done. So, when I’m staring change in the face and I’m scared of what’s to come, I keep the following things in mind:

1. It may not be as bad as it seems

If you’re anything like me, your worrying is probably making every change seem like a nightmare. I say this with all the kindness and empathy in the world because I get it: calm down. @@Seriously, take some time to breathe and assess whether things are as bad as they seem. Chances are, they aren’t.@@

2. This too shall pass

If the change really is as bad as you think it is, remember that nothing lasts forever. That’s the magic of change being constant. Even tough times have to change eventually. Take it in stride and make the best of it until the next thing comes along.

3. There’s good in every change

I don’t believe in the whole “everything happens for a reason thing.” At least not in the way that eternal optimists do. Bad things happen. Finding a meaning and a reason for that is up to you. So, if you’re going through a change that feels like the world is ending, figure out how to make it work for you.

4. Stagnation parades as comfort

@@Change sucks because it’s uncomfortable. But we need that discomfort to challenge us, to push us to aim higher and do better.@@ If you’ve been comfy for a long time, embrace change as a way to ensure you aren’t being stagnant.

None of those reminders are foolproof. If I’m honest, I sometimes go through all of that in my head and still want to run and hide from change when it happens. But it helps. And I’m growing. For that, I’m grateful.

With that being said, I’d like to fill y’all in on some of the changes I’ve undergone, both personal and professional, and let you in and some of the changes I’ve still got in store.

My last name changed

There was a whole lot of hoopla when I got engaged last September. With a namesake brand, I struggled to decide what I’d do once I got married and how that would affect my brand. Well, as of January 21st, I married the love of my life and changed my legal name to Talia Leacock-Campbell, but you can still find me on all social platforms under my business name “Talia Leacock”.

I got a new postal code

A little less than two months ago, professional packers arrived at my Toronto apartment, put all my earthly possessions into boxes and trucked them over to Kingston, Ontario. No more long-distance romance for me. This was one of the changes that scared me the most for so many reasons—I’ve never been so far from my mother, I have no friends here, all the cool events are in Toronto. But It’s actually a beautiful city and I’ve got wi-fi and the 401 to keep everything I love about Toronto accessible.

I ditched my day job

This is one of those changes I welcomed with open arms. I’ve gone from disgruntled call centre employee to full-time entrepreneur. I get to do what I love every single day for clients and platforms I really like. I’m now the assistant editor and social media manager for ByBlacks.com, a contract word ninja for Ankit Designs Inc., and a content creator and ghostwriter with Writers Blok. Plus, I’m also working independently as an editor and ghostwriter for clients of my own.

The blog is coming back

Last year, I wrote a blog post every single week. But working a full-time job and juggling my side hustle forced me to put blogging on the back burner. Not anymore. I’m bringing it back. This is the first of many to come. Every second Thursday, I’ll be dropping a new post focused on writing, self-expression, and the entrepreneur life. I’ll also be featuring dope storytellers across different mediums (writers, visual artists, photographers, etc.). If you’re interested in being featured, slide in my DMs.

The brand is getting a revamp

I love my branding, but I wanted it to grow with me. So, I’ll be changing some elements of my site and social media and introducing new features and resources for y’all too. If you don’t want to miss any of the cool stuff I have happening, subscribe to my email list.

I'd like to hear about your relationship with change. Love it? Teach me your ways. Hate it? Let me know how you're coping and growing.

Imperfectly yours,