We make an external temporary change, however we have not truly changed on the inside (our thinking) so the outside change does not last no matter what the temporary appearance.
Change is first of all in your mind. It moves to your body (actions) and taking steps in accordance with a changed heart and way of thinking and acting.
Sometimes the changes are immediate and sometimes they grow into place over time. Do not be discouraged! You made a change already just by receiving the idea that there may be things you need to change.
Make adjustments, put the supports you need in place, purge the people that you need to from your life. Sometimes (for now) you can only lessen the access and impact negative people have in your life and that is okay.
We are all changing daily on the inside. You are NOT alone.
A flower is growing on the inside yet we cannot see it. We see it as it spouts and the stems lengthen. Therefore we see it’s step by step progress. Progress brings us to accomplishment. It is not until it blooms that we see the beauty of the rose.
Change your thinking and you will bloom, even where you are planted!
Isaiah 43:19 (ASV)
Behold, I will do a new thing; now shall it spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.