Fighting Change

Not everything’s a negotiation and that’s a shame.

There are times in our life when change offers us no choice in the matter, other than to make the best of it. And there we are, reduced to tantrum throwing 5 year olds. I don’t wanna. You can’t make me. No! No! NO!! Clenched fists, foot stamping.

Change is not always pretty. I think we’ve all had times in our life when change isn’t a single shifting moment in time. Change can also be more of a collection of experiences that have grown and built, culminating at a crossroads where we have our own little tantrum.

If change is a constant in our lives, Why is can it be so difficult at times?

We are flexing weak muscles

Change is all about something new and different –it sounds so exciting when I put it that way—and that can mean we-no-speaky the language. Think of it as a version of Outward Bound…only all the challenges are happening on the inside. You are learning something new and you may feel that everyone knows the lay of the land but you. Seldom the case.

We liked things the way they were

There is comfort in familiar things. Slippers, old fuzzy sweaters, good friends …they feel good and we look forward to knowing what we are going to get. But sometimes the Universe has a different plan and sometimes that plan must be force fed. Change is like eating your brussel sprouts…you may not like it but it will make you stronger later.

We are understanding a new set of circumstances

Think of change as visiting a new country were you don’t know the customs other than you might get caned for chewing gum. You are feeling cautious. It’s okay if things don’t make sense at first. Change can pinch our little noses and just drag us wherever it wishes. I’ve spent my entire life trying to muster change with grace and dignity but I tell you…it takes everything I have to keep from kicking like a mule as it drags me to my next venue.

We are slowly regaining control in a situation where we felt we had none

Change makes us feel awkward because we are learning new rules. What we forget is we also get to make some of those rules and we always get to decide how we respond. There’s one sure fire way to regain control—TAKE IT. Let’s sit Change down, openly talk about it in non-hushed tones while pointing at it and giving it the side eye. Sometimes you have to let Change know that you are the Mean Girl.

We are impatient

See: Tantrums

Isn’t everyone’s middle name NOW? We want things the way we want them, when we want them. It takes time to acclimate and transition into a new situation. It is so hard for me to give flow the opportunity to happen when I’m in the midst of change. I spend a lot of time reminding myself that it won’t always feel this way.

Change is your teacher

Change happens for a reason. It’s amazing what you begin to notice when you turn your gaze to the world outside instead of to your inner turmoil. Wonderful things happen all the time and your real job is to notice them. They are happening in front of you for a reason.