My mind sometimes wanders and tries to recall what was happening a year ago on approximately the same date. What was I doing? Who was I with? How was I feeling?

Somehow a year represents a benchmark for expectations of change. Usually something has changed within a year, but a lot can stay the same too. As well, sometimes things that change, whether good or bad, are beyond our control. What we can control is how we roll with those changes. What we learn from changes that disrupt our lives can be lessons that we carry forward as we continue to deal with challenges that life throws our way.

When one door closes, another opens – many of us have heard that saying before. However, instead of entering through the newly-opened door, some of us try to pry the old one open, and when that doesn’t work, we take a crowbar to the window and try to crawl in that way.

Why can we be so resistant to change? Sticking with the comfortable and familiar can feel natural. Sitting with discomfort is, well, uncomfortable. But it’s that discomfort that sometimes moves us forward closer towards where we are supposed to be. And on an intellectual level, many of us know this, even as we try to continue to cling to the past.

So, the next time you’re tempted to stay where you are or even move backwards in the face of change, ask yourself: where was I last year? Where do I want to be in a year? What can I do now to make that happen? Chances are, it will require making the uncomfortable choices.

In a way, every day has elements of stepping out into the unknown. Those little steps can add up. A lot can happen in a year. Or not. The choice – at least of what is within our control – rests with us.