While some parts of life are beyond our control, we are in charge of shaping our day-to-day experience. If certain areas of your life aren’t as you wish—whether due to routine, habit, or fear of the unknown—remember that this, too, is a choice. Every day, we hold the power to evolve or stick to the comfort of the familiar. And if we feel stagnant or stuck, on some level, we’re choosing to stay there. Those small, almost invisible choices shape our lives far more than we might realize.
Let’s be real, though: change is hard. Sometimes we cling to what’s familiar because it feels safer than taking a leap of faith. After my divorce, I found myself doing exactly that. I threw myself into “productive” projects—rebuilding my finances, setting up temporary housing, and diving into the endless allure of fixer-uppers. I told myself this was progress. But deep down, I knew I was keeping busy without really letting myself live.
Yes, I became the queen of fixer-uppers. Demo the walls? Check. Replace the counter top? Done. Move to the next spot? On it. It was as if I was auditioning to be the world’s most well-traveled DIY specialist. But here’s the truth—I wasn’t just moving to save money or for the sake of a project. I was moving because staying still meant confronting an uncomfortable question: What do I really want? I was choosing to stay busy rather than get unstuck, avoiding the deeper choice to evolve.
Musicians Who Embraced Evolution
Choosing not to change can keep us stuck, while embracing growth allows us to adapt and thrive. Some famous musicians understood this concept intimately, evolving and reinventing themselves in ways that redefined their careers and created lasting legacies. Here are a few favorite examples of artists who embraced change as their muse:
The Grateful Dead Evolving into Dead & Co.
In 1995, the Grateful Dead faced a pivotal moment after the passing of their beloved lead guitarist and primary vocalist, Jerry Garcia. Losing such an iconic figure could have been the end. But the remaining members chose another path—they evolved. With Dead & Co., the band invited new talent like John Mayer infusing fresh energy into their classic sound. The result? A revival that honored the past while capturing new generations of fans. They chose change, building a bridge between eras and keeping their music’s spirit alive.
David Bowie’s Transformative Reinventions
David Bowie was the ultimate chameleon, evolving his style, persona, and sound throughout his career. From Ziggy Stardust to the Thin White Duke, Bowie didn’t just ride cultural waves—he created them. Each reinvention wasn’t just for show; it was a reflection of his identity. Bowie’s adaptability allowed him to remain relevant across decades, each transformation adding depth to his legacy. He didn’t wait for change to come; he sought it out, choosing evolution over clinging to the familiar.
Johnny Cash’s Late-Career Revival
By the 1980s, Johnny Cash’s career was in decline, and many saw him as past his prime. But Cash refused to let his legacy fade. He boldly collaborated with producer Rick Rubin. They created a series of raw, stripped-down albums. These albums redefined his sound. His cover of Nine Inch Nails’ “Hurt” became one of his most iconic performances, resonating deeply with audiences young and old. By embracing vulnerability, Cash revitalized his career, proving that growth was essential to longevity.
These artists chose transformation over comfort. They adapted, thrived, and left a lasting impact. In our lives, we face similar choices. We can stick to familiar patterns or embrace change, allowing us to create something even more profound.
Where Are You Choosing Comfort Over Change?
Please take a moment to reflect on areas of your life where you feel comfortable—maybe a little too comfortable. Is there something you’ve been wanting to change? A new experience you’ve dreamed of? A path that’s been calling your name, but you keep sticking to the well-worn road? Do you have a job that feels unfulfilling? Has a relationship grown stagnant? Are you stuck in a mindset that holds you back? Ask yourself: Am I choosing this because it’s right, or because it’s familiar? Sticking to what feels safe might be comforting. However, it can also mean trading potential growth for the predictability of routine.
Action Step: Write down one area in your life that feels stagnant. Ask yourself what small steps you could take today to begin opening up to change. You don’t have to dive in headfirst; sometimes, just the intention to explore something new can shift our outlook.
Why Do We Resist Change?
Change challenges us, often making us cling to what feels secure. I get it—sometimes resistance to change feels like survival itself. But holding too tightly to the known can mean missing out on the beauty of the unknown. This past year, I faced that resistance myself. Before this summer, I was stuck in a rut. I was hopping from one fixer-upper to the next. I convinced myself that this cycle was “practical.” Then my lifelong bestie challenged me to spend three months with her in Vegas. She wanted me to immerse myself in music, friendship, and a life that felt vibrant and alive.
Was it risky? Absolutely. But that experience broke through my comfort zone in the best way possible. I left Vegas feeling lighter, freer, and more willing to embrace life fully. And yes, while I promptly bought two more fixer-uppers (some habits die hard!), I’m now filling my life with music, friends, and laughter in ways I hadn’t before.
Action Step: Think of one comfort zone you’ve been hesitant to step out of. Imagine the potential growth that could come from just one small change. How might your life feel if you embraced even a tiny shift?
Embracing the Balance: Familiarity and the Thrill of Change
Choosing change doesn’t mean abandoning everything we know. It means opening ourselves up to new layers of passion and growth. We find ways to balance the comfort of the familiar with the excitement of something new. So if you’re holding back, consider giving yourself permission to step out, even if it’s just in small ways. Infuse your life with music, friendship, laughter—whatever inspires you. There’s beauty in choosing to evolve. By saying yes to change, you open yourself to a life more abundant and fulfilling than you ever imagined.
A Final Thought
“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them—that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.” — Lao Tzu
In the end, what we’re not changing, we’re choosing. This simple truth has the power to reshape our lives. Just as Bowie, Cash, and Dead & Co. found new directions by embracing transformation, we, too, can create lives filled with purpose, energy, and meaning. Here’s to the courage to embrace change, the wisdom to let go of “it’s fine,” and the joy of planting roots where we truly belong. Because, as Lao Tzu reminds us, when we let life flow forward, that’s when the magic happens.
I hope you have a truly blissful rest of your day. From my heart to yours. — Joy
Unscripted Joy 
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