The Struggle is Real: Why Change Feels Like Trying to Teach a Cat to Swim
Change for those struggling with food insecurity, homelessness, or poverty in general is not easy. Even for those not experiencing poverty, change can be hard. It could look something like this for the person not experiencing poverty . . . One minute, we’re determined to turn our lives around, convinced this will finally be the week we stop doom-scrolling, start working out, or (gasp) cook a meal that doesn’t involve a microwave. And yet, as we sit surrounded by takeout containers, binge-watching just one more episode of whatever Netflix insists we’ll love, it hits us: Change is hard. Really, really hard.
We have adapted from cavemen to iPhone-wielding wizards of technology, so why does doing something positive for ourselves feel like climbing Mt. Everest? Let’s be real, the idea of change is thrilling—until you actually have to do it.
The Five Stages of “Maybe I Should Change Something”
Excitement: “This time, it’s happening!” Whether it’s finally organizing the closet or sticking to a budget, you’re pumped. This is your new personality now. You’re basically Dave Ramsey, and Gordon Ramsay all rolled into one highly motivated person.
Optimism: You’ve told everyone. “I’m starting meal prepping on Monday!” you declare, over brunch. You’re a champion. A visionary. They’re lucky to know you.
Denial: Monday arrives. Did you say meal prepping? What you meant was meal-procuring…via delivery apps. One little indulgence won’t hurt. Besides, the kale can wait until tomorrow.
Resignation: It’s Wednesday. You’ve done none of the things. Maybe the real problem isn’t you, but the world. Too many distractions, right?! Yeah, that’s definitely it.
Acceptance: Change, much like trying to teach a cat to swim, is uncomfortable, slippery, and ends in someone getting scratched (emotionally).
But Why is Change So Hard?
Turns out, your brain hates change. It loves routine—no matter how bad. So when you say, “Let’s switch things up,” your brain goes, “Nah, we’re good here.” Trying to change a habit is like silently arguing with yourself: one part wants the gym, the other wants the couch. Guess who wins?
The Fun of Fighting Your Own Brain
Here’s where it gets amusing. Changing habits is like getting into a silent argument with yourself. You ever try convincing yourself to go to the gym at 6 a.m.? One minute you’re all, “Yes, let's seize the day!” and the next you’re trying to remember how to mute the sound of your alarm. It’s like a sitcom where both characters are you—and neither is winning.
In fact, change feels a bit like one of those bad infomercials. “Ever try to go for a run but end up tripping over your own enthusiasm? There’s got to be a better way!” Except the “better way” is…there isn’t one. You just have to laugh, dust yourself off, and try again tomorrow.
When Change Happens, It’s a Little Magic (And Maybe a Little Messy)
Despite all the hilarious missteps along the way, change is possible. It just takes a bit more persistence than most of us (and our brains) would like to admit.
And that’s okay. Change, much like a good joke, is all about timing. The punchline? Eventually, you’ll get there, even if it takes a few seasons of procrastination and a handful of microwaved meals.
So go ahead—support someone you know who is struggling with making a change to help themselves. Encourage them to give themselves a little grace and help them mix in a little humor as they take those hard steps. If the person is experiencing poverty, mix in a bit of patience to give the person the time to find a path that works for them.