Be The Change You Want

One of the most difficult things to accept about change is that it is all too often both unexpected and uninvited.

We are caught by surprise when the familiar suddenly becomes strange; when the known becomes uncertain; when what had long been the accepted ordinary takes on a new dimension.

We can move into a temporary state of confusion until we find a way to navigate new ideas and new emotional territory. It’s not easy when what was becomes what is and the reason why isn’t immediately obvious.

Change is inevitable. Even that which appears to stay the same is altered by time and perception. Despite the fact the change may be minute it’s nonetheless real. It happens and there is nothing we can do to stop it.

It’s what we do with change that can make a vast difference in our stress levels and, ultimately, our peace and contentment.

Drastic change is often impossible to embrace, certainly in the short term. But then it’s not necessary to be quite so welcoming.

What is necessary is the capacity to include change; to work with it rather than attempt to work against it.

Change demands acceptance. The very best we can offer at times is tolerance. However it’s by applying tolerance and forbearance that we can move to a state of acceptance, from there to understanding and, ultimately, peace.

The alternative is refusal, denial and self-inflicted pain and suffering.

By being sensible and realistic we can present ourselves with the opportunity to reshape something we are unable to stop or prevent into something that is a more comfortable fit with the way we want to live.

The truth is that we can’t live without change. Just by being here we are part of change and we are helping create change.

Be the change you want.