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Winds of Change

A friend sent out today a beautifully written though very intense missive about our nation’s addiction to our current way of life – namely our perpetual thirst for oil and our rampant consumerism.
(Check it out at http://www.spiritrecovery.blogspot.com/ “When the Game is up”). Nicely written Lee.

It got me to thinking about the ways in which we resist change, or in some cases welcome change. What’s the dynamic? What determines why we would resist or why we would embrace that simple word? Change. The American Heritage dictionary on my desk lists 7 different definitions which in my interpretation all boil down to mean – ain’t nothing staying the same baby. Change.

What does that word elicit inside each of us? What emotions does it give rise to? What happens when our beloved says "it’s time for a change?", our boss calls us in and informs us of a “change coming?" What happens when Life let’s us know in usually not so subtle terms it’s time for a change? Why do we so often go kicking and screaming? What if the change that was about to occur was actually for the better? What if our experience was somehow going to be enhanced? Would we still cling so tightly to the way it is? Maybe not.

Why do we when all the signs are signaling it’s time for a change do we not follow them? Sometimes it’s our bodies letting us know something’s no longer right. And yet once we’re feeling better we go right back to the same old habit. Maybe it's a relationship that isn't feeling safe anymore and yet we keep playing there. Why do we so adamantly avoid change? What are we afraid of?

Is it a lack of alternatives? Maybe we know no other way. Maybe the known path even with all its inherent pitfalls is more comforting than taking a leap into the unknown. Maybe that new path is too frightening to contemplate.

For me, change has become like a dear old dependable friend. There to encourage me when needed, challenge me when I’m stuck, and to offer an alternative point of view when I’m hopeless. By now I’ve learned to welcome change. It’s never let me down.

So maybe now it is time to change our attitude. To change our point of view. To see in what way can we make a difference in the quality of Life we are living. Maybe we drive our cars less. Maybe the next acquisition isn’t about something we buy but something we feel. Maybe we are a little more patient with strangers. Maybe we laugh more with those we love. Maybe we believe in ourselves again. Wow, can you imagine?

The wind is blowing. Do you feel it? Change is gonna come. I plan to embrace it.

And you?

J

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