Embracing Change in Writing and Life: A Lesson from Spring

Happy Spring, everyone!

I don’t know where you, dear reader, live, but here in Central California, Spring is definitely in full swing. Everywhere I look, nature is coming back to life. I step outside, and I’m greeted by the soothing coo of doves, the raspy caw of bluejays, the buzz of bees, and the energetic chatter of tree squirrels. Even though we live in a temperate climate, I’m one of those people who can sometimes be affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), so the increased sunlight and warmer temperatures are a welcome change.

It’s a powerful reminder of the truth that everything is always changing.

On a personal level, I’m not the biggest fan of change. In fact, I tend to shy away from it. I know I’m not alone in this. Let’s be honest—how many of us truly love the unfamiliar or uncomfortable feeling of transformation? But one thing I’ve learned (and continue to learn) is that resisting change only makes things harder.

As Buddha wisely said, “Attachment is the root of suffering.” When we resist the inevitability of change in our daily lives, we create tension and discomfort. Instead of flowing with the changes, we struggle against them, only making ourselves more uneasy in the process.

This got me thinking about the writing process.

The Parallels Between Change in Life and Change in Writing

Much like the world around us, the act of writing is a constantly shifting, evolving experience. As writers, we’re no strangers to change—whether it’s through our stories, our style, or the process itself. Just as the seasons shift, so too does our craft. Every draft, every edit, every idea that flutters into our minds is an opportunity for change.

Recently, I was reminded of this truth during a conversation with my husband. We were walking our four little terrier-mix dogs—who always seem to find new and exciting ways to get tangled in their leashes—when I reflected on how much my writing had evolved over the past few months. There was a time when I was hesitant to make certain changes to my work in process. I held tightly to old drafts, old ideas, and old methods. Change felt uncomfortable, unfamiliar. But just like the Spring around me, I began to realize that embracing the evolution of my work was essential.

Just as nature can’t stay stagnant, neither can a writer. The more I’ve resisted change in my writing, the more I’ve stifled my own creativity. It’s a painful but necessary realization: growth comes through change.

Change and Growth in the Writing Process

At the start of any project, we’re often caught in the excitement of a fresh idea. Everything feels crisp, alive, and full of potential—much like the way Spring stirs the air with promise. But soon enough, we encounter obstacles: the words don’t flow as easily, the plot feels flat, or the characters just don’t resonate the way we imagined. This is where change comes in.

Sometimes we need to abandon old ideas to make space for new ones. Other times, we have to revise, rewrite, or even start over entirely. This can feel overwhelming, and I admit I’ve done this, more than once. But when we learn to let go of the attachment to the way things were, we open ourselves up to the possibility of something better, something more authentic to our voice.

In the writing world, this might look like taking a step back from our work, gaining some perspective, and allowing ourselves the freedom to change direction if needed. The first draft is not the final draft. The first idea is not the final idea. The process of writing, much like the process of life, is constantly evolving.

The transition from Winter to Spring is a reminder that change can be beautiful, even when it’s uncertain. Each season brings its own challenges, but also its own rewards. For writers, each stage of the process brings a new opportunity for learning, refining, and expanding our craft.

So, as the season changes, take a moment to embrace the shifts in your writing journey. Let go of any attachments to “how it should be” and allow yourself the freedom to explore new possibilities. Trust that the process of change will lead you to greater clarity and creativity.

Spring has arrived, and with it, a chance to renew, refresh, and grow—both in life and in writing.

Here’s to embracing change, in all its messy, beautiful, and transformative forms.

Happy writing!