Roots of Change: Why Transformation Is Hard (But Worth It)
Hey Y’all,
It’s a new year, and you know what that means, “new year, new me!” Right? Wrong. Let’s be real: there’s nothing magical about the calendar flipping to January 1st. Change doesn’t come wrapped up in glittery resolutions. It takes a plan, a heap of discipline, consistency, and a whole lot of intentionality.
But let me be honest sometimes the hardest part of change comes from within. Have you ever been stuck fantasizing about all the incredible ways you’re going to change? You’ve got the vision board ready, the planner all set, and you’ve told everyone about your goals. Then reality hits, and suddenly, the work feels so overwhelming that all you want to do is crawl into bed. Same girl, same 😩😭😩
I’ve struggled with this a lot. I dream about change, I fantasize about the end result, but when it’s time to actually do the work? I freeze. It’s overwhelming, and I’m tempted to quit before I even start. I am ashamed to say but over the years I have quitted on a lot of things I had set out to do.
(remember we listen and we do not judge 😩)
But this year, I will try something different. Instead of getting stuck in the big-picture overwhelm, I’m committing to bite-sized, actionable goals. I’ll focus quarterly on a few key areas of my life and take steps to move forward.
The Root Check
Research tells us roots are essential for plants. They absorb water and nutrients, anchor the plant in place, and provide stability against the wind and storms. Without healthy roots, a plant can’t survive, let alone thrive.
So, what about our roots?
Are they healthy?
What are we absorbing?
Are we anchored and stable, or are we being tossed around by the storms of life?
A Hard Truth
Let me share a moment of truth. Someone told me recently, “Zainabu, you haven’t changed or grown in this particular area in our relationship, You’re still the same.” And that statement is cute and all when someone is talking about your youthful glow and all but not when is shared about your character 😩 Cue the spiral into self-doubt and overthinking.
It stung, y’all. But as I journaled and prayed, I realized there was some truth to what they said. I had been stuck in the same patterns, paralyzed by fear, overthinking and neglecting myself and others to an extent. I hadn’t been taking care of my mind, body, or soul. Everything else felt more important than doing the hard work of assessing and nurturing my roots, one being my relationship/ friendship roots.
Cue that line from Drake’s song: “Someone told me I fell off… oh, I needed that!”
I didn’t like it in the moment but thank you to the friend who spoke honestly with me. I believe that honest conversation is helping me assess and take steps in moving forward towards change and growth in different areas of my life.
Transformation: GOD’s Way
Here’s the good news: GOD doesn’t leave us stuck. Romans 12:2 (NIV) reminds us:
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what GOD’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Transformation isn’t instant. It requires us to renew our minds daily, align our thoughts with GOD’s truth, and take the steps He’s placed on our hearts. If you fell short last year, amen for GOD’s grace! This year, let’s commit to being intentional and consistent, not just dreaming about change but doing the work required.
A Year of Obedience and Becoming
This year, I want to lean into obedience. There are areas in my life where I know GOD has placed a clear call: my health and wellness, my healing journey from past traumas, growing in my marriage and motherhood, and leading in women’s ministry. This year, I’m also committed to blogging intentionally and consistently on SheBloomsHERE and making time for self and soul care.
But more than anything, I want to learn what it means to be, to fully step into the woman GOD has created me to be. Becoming isn’t just about doing; it’s about being rooted in HIM, letting HIS Spirit shape us, and allowing HIS grace to fill the gaps.
Journal Prompts for Growth
1. What areas of your life feel stuck or stagnant? What has GOD placed on your heart to do?
2. Are there any unhealthy “roots” (thought patterns, habits, or relationships) that you need to address?
3. What small, actionable steps can you take this quarter to move forward?
4. Write out a prayer of surrender, asking GOD to help you trust the process and grow where you are planted.
5. How can you focus on being rather than doing as you become the person GOD has called you to be?
Encouragement for the Journey
Transformation is hard work, but it’s worth it. As you dig into the process, remember that GOD is faithful to complete the work He’s started in you
Philippians 1:6 (NIV) says: “Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Real change isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. It’s about taking the steps, no matter how small, and trusting that GOD is working even when we can’t see it.
This year, let’s nurture our roots, focus on what truly matters, and commit to becoming all that GOD has created us to be. With HIS help, we can grow, heal, and bloom even in the hardest seasons. 🌸🌺🌷🌻🌼💐🌸
#NewYearTransformation #RootsOfChange #FaithfulGrowth #SheBloomsHere #YearOfObedience #BloomInFaith