Did you know that studies suggest our brains interpret change as literal pain? WTF, right? It’s like our minds are wired to resist anything that disrupts our cozy little routines. But hey, where’s the fun in doing nothing differently, that would suck. Wouldn’t it??

That said, habit is the comfort zone of the mind. There’s something oddly satisfying about knowing exactly what’s coming next, like binge-watching your favorite show for the umpteenth time (How many times have you rewatched Ted Lasso?). 

But here’s the kicker: too much routine can dull the mind faster than my kid grows out of shoes! 

Take it from me, I’m amazing at overanalyzing plot twists. I was so terrified of the “big reveal” my mind went into overdrive and a third of the way through the Sixth Sense, I knew Bruce Willis was dead.  (Ooops! Spoiler Alert) And I do that a lot.  Fight or flight…For movie buffs. Hopefully that doesn’t stop you from going to the movies with me. However, in life, somehow I know change is inevitable; it’s where the magic happens.  And I love it! I embrace it…Mostly. And I’m actually kind of good at it. 

In the wise words of my old acting teacher (or maybe it was Stella Adler, who knows?), “In nature, everything either grows, changes, or dies.” Personally, I think it’s more about growing or dying, sometimes both simultaneously. But hey, let’s focus on the growth part, shall we?

Now, I’ll be the first to admit, change can be daunting. But as someone who’s pivoted more times than JLo’s career (mad respect – talk about manifesting), I’ve learned to embrace the chaos with open arms. From career shifts to personal transformations, change is my middle name (well, actually it’s Leigh but for these purposes you get it).

One of the upsides of having a neurodiverse brain is, I don’t just tolerate change; I thrive on it. Whether it’s a new hair color or a new project, I’m all about mixing things up.

I’ve got my constants, and those are critical too.  I mean clearly some things are very much the same in my own life, I’ve lived in the same building for the majority of my life but amidst the stability, I want to evolve, to grow, and chase my dreams like they owe me money.

So, what’s the secret sauce to winning at this change game? Well, here are three key ingredients:

1. Don’t Make It Precious: Life’s decisions are more like snowflakes than diamonds – beautiful, unique, but ultimately, replaceable. So, make that call, take the action, and embrace the messiness of it all. Then Rinse Repeat.

2. Fight Cynicism Like Your Life Depends on It: Seriously, cynicism is the dream killer of all dream killers. Surround yourself with besties who want you to win, and watch your dreams soar higher than Iron Man in The Avengers (IYKYK).

3. Expect the Unexpected: Life’s curveballs may throw you for a loop, but they also offer a chance to pivot, adapt, and maybe even discover something better than you ever imagined. Roll with the punches, maybe punch back once in a while but who knows? You’ll probably end up with a cocktail party story at the minimum.

In the end, change isn’t just about adapting; it’s about embracing the chaos and finding the beauty in the unpredictability of it all. So, here’s to us, my change enthusiasts – may we continue to navigate this crazy existence called life lived, with grace, humor, and a whole lot of chutzpah.

Until next time, stay fabulous, stay fierce, and never stop embracing the madness. 

Muah!