Change

                                    

This one little word packs a mighty sucker punch. It can really knock the wind out of a person or elate their sails. 

When I was younger I was aware of my hesitancy, but not quite at the stage of cognition to acknowledge how this concept frightened me. Now, having gone through immense change over the last seven years, I have realized two things:

One being: change is a necessity of life.

Two being: embrace change and all that it can bring into one’s life as a comfort.

 

On an individual basis, I have changed and grown throughout my twenties. I have always felt my inner voice rise and yet, I would not always share it very often, and instead I would share passivity in various life scenarios. As of late, this is not the case. I’m not a bitch, I’m not difficult, but I’ll let you know what I’m thinking once I have mulled it over.  One of my closest friends and I are both critical contemplators. We take a long time to decide weighty issues, we weigh pros and cons, we make lists, and then we discuss.  Sound familiar? This is probably a lot of people’s process in general. I’ve found that our bond of friendship has strengthened over the last 12 years with this dual realization we had about ourselves.

With this knowledge I’ve realized a few things about who I am and where I’ve come from:

1. I find change challenging, but a deliciously delightful dance towards my future (how’s that for alliteration, huh? Huh?!)
2. The only thing I have control over is my response to the present moment
3. I choose how I can and will react, and I try to choose positively and pleasantly
4. Smile, without hesitation, smile, it brightens your mood and those around you
5. Question the unknown, ask for help, drive steadily
6. Relish the little things in life and show gratitude
7. Be gracious and kind. You catch more flies with honey than vinegar.
8. Try to envision what it might be like to make decisions as another person.
9. Number 8 will help you in all situations in life for example: the grocery line, in a work meeting, speaking with another person on the phone about insurance, applauding as an audience member, the list could carry on forever; I’ll spare you in this blog.
10. Enjoy your daily gifts which include but are not limited to, or necessarily doled out within this order: J

Breath

Nourishment: i.e. food

Nurture

Nature

Family

Health

Friendships

Touch

Sound

Healing

Moving forward

Love

 

Sometimes we get so caught up in the act of fearing the unknown, being resentful about the change itself that we forget to look at it as an opportunity.  We are offered so many opportunities on a daily basis that they go by unseen and unnoticed.

A wise child, and as I refer to them as, “my quotable student,” (but aren’t they all quotable?!) once told me, “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift, that’s why we call it the present!” I know, I KNOW, she read it on Google, or in a quote book, whatever the case may be; the application of said quote was perfect: the student shared it with me and classmates outside, in the sunshine, at the end of the school year. I could have cried in that moment, and I did later on, but I log it here for the internet world. Thank you to that student for reminding us all about what is essential.  So perhaps stop and think about what change lies before you. What is daunting and laced with concern? What tasks can bring forward the unique opportunity that it may present? Consider this the next time you are feel the weight of the word sink into your shoulders.

Sparkle on my friends.