Embracing Change
“Growth is painful. Change is painful. Nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don’t belong.” N.R. Narayana Murthy
We all face change. Someone has said, “The only consistent in life is change.” We will experience both expected change and unexpected. As people who live in an ever-changing world, we will experience expected things like birth and death as well as unexpected ones such as natural disasters. We in Ft. Myers are about to commemorate the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Ian. It was an event that changed life for many people. Many are only now beginning to understand its impact. In times of change, whether it be expected or unexpected it is helpful or us to focus our energy on things within our control. We would do well to remember we may be spending energy trying to keep the status quo while God is using circumstances or situations to bring about change that are necessary for us to grow as people.
Principles we can Practice while facing Change.
1. “Be Water.”
There is a meditation principle I have heard called, “Be Water.” When you watch a river moving around obstacles it almost seems to take on a form that allows it to navigate the obstacle without any wasted energy. When we face changes, remind yourself to “be water.”
2. “You can always drink enough water.”
It can feel helpless to be caught up in the uncertainties of change. But we can remember that no matter the circumstance there are both things in our control and things outside of our control. We can’t stop all trials, but we can practice good self-care. “We can’t stop a hurricane, but we can drink enough water.”
3. “Look for the Helpers.”
Mr. Rogers tells a story that his mother used to tell him whenever they were experiencing challenges. He said his mother would always tell him to “look for the helpers” when the world seemed ugly. No matter how dark a situation can seem there are always helpers. During times of change be a helper to others and look for the helpers around you. You don’t have to try and do it alone.
4. “Face the Fear but move Forward.”
General Douglas MacArthur is quoted as saying, “Courage is not the absence of fear; Courage is moving forward despite the fear.” If life is changing on you and you find yourself feeling fearful of the future. There will be a time to begin to take the steps you need to take to move forward. We may not be able to wait for the fear to pass because time spent in fear tends to feed the fear. Instead of waiting on the fear to pass maybe it’s time to feel the fear and move forward anyway. Do it. If necessary, do it afraid. You will likely find that your fear, like a shadow cast behind you, was much bigger in your imagination than in reality.
The one constant in life is change. Change is often uncomfortable and can be painful. But change is necessary. If you find yourself pondering a change in life maybe its time to begin to plot a course to begin to make that change. Maybe you have found yourself going though unexpected change. Work on finding the silver lining. See it as an opportunity to move in a different, more satisfying direction. Change is going to happen whether we cooperate or not. It will be easier if we remember to “be water,” “in the middle of the hurricane drink water,” “look for the helpers” and if necessary, “Move forward with the fear.”
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