I've been thinking a lot recently about the challenges that one faces when changing one's name. I have been helping many people from all walks of life change their names and I have seen first hand how hard it is sometimes.
Here are reasons why it is so challenging:
1. Personal - the first name is actually our identity, so it makes sense that the individual would find it hard to let go of that identity, in favour of a new one, as some people find change especially difficult. One has to let go of the old, to welcome the new, but sometimes we get in a comfort zone and are scared to change something even if it is not serving us, because we are now 'used' to it.
2. Social - ,we care about others opinions and we want others approval to varying degrees. Invariably there will be some upheaval as others will react by possibly showing unhappiness when we change the name, especially possibly parents, spouses or other family members. This is also natural as they are also invested in your name as your identity.
Both of these two reasons listed above, the personal and the social challenges will be overcome with patience and perseverance. The individual has to take a bold step and make a decision to change their name and with time other people, that is family and friends and so on, will get used to it after 3 to 6 months. and will accept your new name.
