Defensiveness can feel like a natural reaction when we believe we are under attack. Our partner, family member, or friend makes a comment that we interpret as critical, and almost before we can think, words come flying out of our mouths to protect us. We explain, we justify, or we counterattack. In the moment, defensiveness feels necessary for self-preservation; however, in truth, it is a barrier to love and connection.

Change is one of life’s few certainties, yet even though we experience it daily, change can still feel unsettling or downright terrifying. This month at the Academy for Personal Development and on our Morning Intentions podcast, we explored the many facets of change: Navigating it, holding strong against it when the change doesn’t align with our values, and embracing it with compassion, wisdom, and grace.