Change, when it comes, cracks everything open.

Host: The room feels quiet, almost intimate, as Jack and Jeeny sit across from each other. Dorothy Allison’s words are simple yet powerful, suggesting that change, though often difficult, has the potential to fundamentally alter everything around us. The conversation is about to take a deeper turn, one that explores the nature of change, its consequences, and how it shapes our lives.

Jack: “Dorothy Allison said, ‘Change, when it comes, cracks everything open.’” He repeats the words thoughtfully, as if letting their depth sink in. “It’s a striking way to look at change, isn’t it? Like it’s not just a shift or adjustment, but something that breaks everything apart and forces us to face what’s inside. It’s almost like it exposes things we might have kept hidden, either from others or from ourselves. Do you think that’s true? That change has this ability to break us open?”

Jeeny: “I think it’s absolutely true. Change doesn’t just rearrange things; it disrupts everything, shakes up the status quo, and forces us to confront the reality of where we are, who we are, and where we’re headed. When something changes, especially something big, it can feel like everything we thought we knew is suddenly in flux. It’s like a pressure point that cracks everything wide open.” Her voice is soft, but filled with understanding. “And in that moment of chaos, we can see things we didn’t notice before — things about ourselves, others, or the situation at hand.”

Jack: “So, it’s not just about the visible effects of change — it’s about how it reveals the deeper layers of who we are, of what we truly want or need. It’s like change forces us to acknowledge truths we might have been avoiding.” His voice grows more reflective, as if he’s unpacking the idea. “When everything is cracked open, there’s nowhere to hide. It’s an uncomfortable, raw experience, but it can lead to growth if we embrace it.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. Change isn’t always pretty or comfortable, but it creates space for growth. It’s in the messiness, the cracks, where we can rebuild, reevaluate, and rediscover ourselves. That’s where transformation happens — not in the smooth transitions, but in the disruptions, the moments when we’re forced to pick up the pieces and figure out what to do with them.” Her expression softens, a quiet wisdom in her tone. “That’s the power of change: it challenges us, forces us to face what’s broken, but also gives us the chance to create something new from it.”

Jack: “So, change isn’t just an event. It’s an experience, one that forces us to see what’s underneath, to confront the parts of ourselves or our lives that we might have overlooked or taken for granted.” He nods slowly, the realization settling in. “It’s like the cracks are a part of the process. They’re the opening that lets us see more clearly.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. And once we see those cracks, once we’re confronted with the reality of what’s been exposed, we can make the choice to move forward. We can decide how we want to rebuild, what we want to keep, and what we need to let go of. The cracks are necessary for the transformation to take place — they are the space for something new to emerge.” She smiles gently, her voice full of hope. “In that way, change is a kind of rebirth. It cracks everything open so that we can grow in a new direction.”

Jack: “I think that’s what’s difficult about change — it’s not just about dealing with the external shifts, but about the internal ones, too. The personal transformation that comes when everything we knew is broken open. But it’s also what makes change so powerful, isn’t it? The potential it holds to reshape us, to reshape our lives, if we allow ourselves to embrace it.” His voice softens, a quiet realization in his tone. “Change can be overwhelming, but it’s also the beginning of something new.”

Jeeny: “Yes, and that’s why it’s both terrifying and beautiful. It forces us to let go of old ways of thinking, old patterns, and gives us the space to evolve. It’s like we can’t grow without those cracks, without that disruption. It’s uncomfortable, but necessary. It’s the way life moves us forward.” Her smile is gentle, filled with quiet confidence. “And when we embrace it, when we allow the cracks to open us up, we give ourselves the chance to create something stronger, something more authentic.”

Host: The room feels still now, the conversation settling into a sense of understanding. Jack and Jeeny have come to see that change isn’t something to fear, but something that cracks everything open to reveal the potential for growth, transformation, and new possibilities. It forces us to confront what’s beneath the surface, to let go of what no longer serves us, and to rebuild from a place of authenticity and strength.

Jack: “Maybe I’ve been avoiding the cracks, trying to keep everything together. But now I see that those cracks are part of the process. They’re where the growth happens, where the transformation begins.” His voice is softer, filled with a quiet understanding. “The discomfort of change is what opens us up to something new.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. Change doesn’t happen without disruption. But in that disruption, there’s the potential for something better, something truer. When we let the cracks open us up, we make space for new growth.” She smiles gently, her tone filled with hope. “That’s where the beauty of change lies — in the space it creates for us to evolve.”

Host: The room feels lighter now, the weight of the conversation lifting into a new understanding. Jack and Jeeny have discovered that change is not just about what’s lost or broken, but about what’s made possible through disruption. It’s in the cracks that we find the opportunity to grow, to redefine ourselves, and to move forward with newfound strength and authenticity.