I was not born by a river. Nor was I born in a little tent. But I do feel that I have been running ever since… I never thought of myself as one who hates or dreads change. However, the past couple of years have tested that theory. As I get older, I am learning that embracing change doesn’t mean I have to like it. In the past year alone, I have had my share of life-changing, jaw-dropping, heart-stopping, migraine-inducing moments, to last my lifetime and maybe that of two others. This year I have made it my mission to be open to change. I can’t say that change has come easy. It has not. At least not EVERYTIME. I often wonder how others handle change…
This morning I had an enlightening conversation with an older gentleman… Allowing time to hold a meaningful conversation with our elders is an art that is all but extinct. Nevertheless, I am guilty of rushing through the moment from time to time, because it seems he/she just can’t get to the point fast enough. I am ashamed to say I have often felt this way. But, today reminded me of how amazing communication truly is. You can find out unbelievable facts if you would welcome the opportunity… Many things surprised me about this gentleman. He is 66, but looks more like 45. He was in the Air Force. He was born in Mississippi. But, the one thing that stood out most, was the fact that he, at some point in his youth, would rather have stayed in Vietnam than to have to come back to the states. I’m still trying to understand what life must have been like in order for a young man to choose a situation filled with uncertainty at every turn, over an uncomfortably certain home life. He also chatted about his regrets of wasting his youth and being selfish for so many years. It wasn’t until he woke up one day at age 50 and realized he had missed out on so much, that he knew he would need to make a change. Now, 16 years later, he has finally reached a point in his life where he can retire. I am so happy for him. I am also grateful for his story… A story of change..
I began to question myself. Am I wasting life? What changes am I making to avoid regret? What changes do I still need to put into place? None of us know how this ends. But, the universe does. Don’t waste time regretting what you did or didn’t do. Focus on areas of your life that may benefit from change. A change in attitude. A change in relationships. A change in your career. A spiritual change. A physical change. The possibilities are endless.
As we settle into Autumn and wait impatiently as the last hot days of Summer realize they are no longer welcome, let us not forget to embrace change. Be purposeful as you engage those around you. Whether we expect it or not, whether we accept it or not, whether we like it or not, a change is gonna come.
apeaceofmine 