Can People Really Change?

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Once a cheater, always a cheater.
That's gotta be one of my most overused reminders when I give advice to friends who have been cheated on by their partners. I guess it all boils down to trust. For me, once that's broken, you can never get it back completely.
But, this post isn't really about cheaters. I've already written about my thoughts on this on a previous post (Read: your cheating heart). This post is mostly about CHANGE so let me ask you this...
Do you honestly believe that people can change?
If you asked me 5 to 8 years ago, I would've said "No". Yeah, I had major trust issues back then, which is the main reason why I didn't let anyone get close enough. But, now, I have a completely different view on the capacity of people to actually change for the better.
You might be wondering why I changed my mind about my beliefs. I believe I'm more mature now and I am a perfect example that people CAN change.
I honestly believe I've been through many changes the past year. And I feel that I'm a more caring friend, a more loving daughter, a better sister. Some of the major changes in me that I've observed are these:

 (photo from here)

I used to have trouble trusting people. That is why I only made a few friends in the past. I thought there's really nothing wrong with that 'cause,  at least, I've filtered out those who don't really deserve my time (yeah, I know... what a snob! LOL).
But, in the past year, I came to realize that people aren't always what they seem... and I mean that in a good way. I'm so glad I've met a couple of new friends who are now dear to my heart. I believe that when you give them a chance, some people can surprise you.

I was afraid of commitment. After my last relationship that lasted for 5 years, I realized I can actually be in a long-term relationship. I didn't trust myself before that I can love someone that deeply. I felt like I easily give up on people.
I've learned to let myself fall truly, madly, deeply in love and not hold back. And it felt good. I can still remember how awesome it was to love and be loved as much as I experienced in my last relationship.
I know, that didn't work out, but I don't believe it was because of my commitment issues. We broke up because of some other issues we couldn't work out after 5 years of being together... issues I don't really want to dwell on anymore. I may be pushed to tell you over bottles of beer, Tanduay Ice or tequila shots. ^_^

 A photo taken during one of our drinking sessions almost a decade ago.

I used to be a party-all-day-all-night type of gal. My friends and I would usually get together every other day to drink, laugh, sing videoke and share crazy stories 'til the wee hours of the morning.
Now, all of us have changed. Some did because of their new responsibilities like having kids, being married and handling/managing their business. But, I think it's mostly because we realized we're not getting any younger.
I mean, it's still okay and fun to hang around with friends and empty a couple bottles of beer or alcohol. But, now, we know our limits. I know my limits. I don't party as much as before. I prefer more intimate moments with friends.

(photo from here)

Most people who know me might be surprised, but I had major insecurities. Not just insecure about my self-image physically, but in everything else.
With all the pounds I gained the past years, I felt ugly. I'm not kidding! I kept on wearing really lose blouses and shirts, pretending I didn't care about how I looked. I was into fashion back in the days and, though my wardrobe is mostly in black, I had stylish outfits that I used to dare mixing and matching.
Can you believe I even felt unpretty when I noticed that I don't get the usual glances anymore from fellow passengers on a jeep, bus or train, and from strangers I meet on the streets? I mean, c'mon. I enjoy it when people look at me like I'm pretty, or when people compliment me. Seriously, who doesn't enjoy that kind of attention?! LOL
And, just for the sake of telling the truth, I've tried diet pills and even read on how to lose weight fast, what diet I should focus on. None of them worked.
What DID work for me? Believe it or not, I managed to lose weight the past months. Around 30 pounds. It was because I gained self-respect again. I started to think about how to take care of myself more. And not just think, but take action. (Read: Weight Loss Progress #2)
I'm honestly thankful I went through that I'm-ugly phase. It helped build my self-esteem to this level where I believe I project true confidence and self-love. Loving yourself first is always the first step for someone else to love you completely, too.

 (photo from here)

I was too much of a control freak. And that usually gets me into stressful times because I decline other people's attempt to lend a helping hand. I end up with too much burden on my shoulders.
Now, I guess it's also because I've already worked on my trust issues, I've learned to delegate and be patient with people that they'd do what they ought to do. Just don't push or force them too much 'cause it'll just make matters worst.
How much less of a control freak am I now? Well, I recently hired an assistant at my shop. In his first 3 days, I've managed to leave him all alone manning the shop. Sure, I taught him the basics and what's necessary, and he's still struggling a bit in some aspects of his job as my assistant. But, I trust that if I give him time, he'd learn the ropes and can handle all the demands of manning a computer shop.

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So far, those are the changes in me that I consider remarkable or I didn't believe would happen so quickly.
Though I believe that people change as I've managed to do that myself, I still think that there's some tracks left by the past. Yes, it may still haunt me, but I believe it's really up to me if I'd want to continue changing for good or turn back. IT'S ALL UP TO ME. IT'S ALL UP TO YOU.
And lastly, GIVE PEOPLE A CHANCE. I've learned this through time. Gradually, it hit me that we are truly capable of improving or developing into someone way better than what we were in the past. I know a lot of you would agree with me.
What major changes have you encountered or experienced in the past year that makes you believe that we can truly change?