Falling Into Fall: An Introduction to the Five Pillars of Navigating Change

Change is one of life’s few certainties. Sometimes it comes with the shift of seasons, sometimes with the transitions of aging, and sometimes through unexpected challenges. In recent years, I’ve walked through many such changes—saying goodbye to my mother after years of complicated moments, yet finding peace in our final day together; facing the slow, humbling work of healing after a fall as I navigate the realities of aging; and learning to embrace both the joys and challenges of shared living.

Through it all, I’ve discovered that navigating change is not simply about coping. It’s about intentionally choosing how to move forward. As I wrote in my weekly series, navigating change is about intentionally moving through periods of transition—whether seasonal, life-stage, emotional, or physical—while maintaining balance, resilience, and clarity. It’s not just coping; it’s proactively using strategies, tools, and mindset shifts to manage uncertainty and come out feeling grounded and empowered.

That truth inspired me to create Falling Into Fall—a five-week exploration of how we can use simple practices to embrace change with calm, strength, and purpose. As I reflected on what makes navigating change more manageable, five key areas became clear—what I now call the Five Pillars of Navigating Change. These pillars provide a practical framework to guide us through transitions, offering stability, clarity, and empowerment.

The Five Pillars of Navigating Change

Successfully navigating change doesn’t happen by accident. It can be supported by five guiding pillars—each offering a way to stay grounded, resilient, and empowered:

1. Awareness – Noticing what’s changing and how it affects body, mind, and emotions

   Awareness is the first step in navigating change intentionally. By observing shifts—whether seasonal, emotional, or life-stage—people gain insight into responses and patterns. Journaling with the Gratitude in Focus journals series is a practical way to develop this awareness and track how changes impact well-being.

2. Adaptation – Adjusting routines, habits, and perspectives to meet new circumstances Once changes are noticed, adaptation helps adjust routines, movement, or wellness habits in ways that support balance and energy. One way to begin is with the Foundational Wellness Bundle from doTERRA, or by exploring targeted solutions  provided in the Wellness Guides to support specific needs during transitions.

3. Support – Using external tools to reinforce stability

   Support provides extra foundation during transitions. External tools—like journaling prompts, mindfulness exercises, or essential oils such as Balance® or Copaiba—can help create steadiness and grounding. The blogs, emails, and wellness guides offer practical ways to explore and apply these supports.

4. Intention – Consciously choosing how to show up

   Setting intention allows a calm and purposeful approach to change. Prompts and exercises in the Mindful Practices and journals series can help clarify responses in different situations—whether seeking calm, clarity, courage, or patience.

5. Reflection – Tracking growth to build confidence for the future Reflection helps recognize progress and learn from experiences. Using the journals series and wellness guides, one can track shifts in energy, mindset, and habits, building insight that strengthens resilience for future changes.

Tip: Keep this framework handy as a reminder that change is not something to fear—it’s an invitation to grow. Each pillar can be explored gradually, using the blogs, emails, and guides to practice and apply them in ways that fit individual needs. You can also download a printable version of this framework from the Wellness Guides section on the website for easy reference.

Each pillar offers a way to stay grounded and empowered, even when life feels uncertain. As we move through this series, each pillar will be explored in depth, starting with the first and most important step: Awareness.

Even before diving in, you can begin by simply noticing what changes are happening in your life today—your body, your mind, and your surroundings.

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Guiding You Through Change

I started with doTERRA shortly after it launched, having already used essential oils for 15 years. But when my sister gave me a bottle of doTERRA Wild Orange, it was a game-changer. The moment I opened it and inhaled the scent, I was in awe. It was a mood-shifting experience that sealed my commitment to doTERRA and my journey began. How could you not smile when you smell Wild Orange? That was over 15 years ago.

More recently, I expanded my passion for wellness and personal growth into creating transformative journals. These journals are designed to inspire growth, intention, and personal transformation. I am passionate about helping others on their unique journeys of self-discovery. I craft journals that combine meaningful prompts with reflection to help individuals embrace change and cultivate a life of purpose.