Conditions Change

If I have learned one thing in recent years, it is that the only constant in this world is CHANGE. Now, that may sound like an oxymoron to you (constant change), but to me, it makes perfect sense. Here are some examples...Our country's presidency is changing hands, we are into a change of seasons from Fall to Winter, our economy is ever-changing, our children contintue to grow and change, and on and on it goes. Change is EVERYWHERE and is in EVERYTHING. If people expect to grow and mature, in their thoughts, their actions, and their feelings, they must CHANGE.

So many people resist change, even abhor change. They try and hide from it, they push back from it, but no matter how hard they try, change finds them, and they must either roll with it, or die trying. Then there are those, like me, who long for change. I accept it, welcoming it with an open heart, open arms, and an open mind. I love the change in the seasons, the changes in the weather, and the change that new challenges bring my way. Change is something I thrive on. To those who feel that change is their enemy, or who fear it to the point of paralysis, I say ...

Conditions change all the time. What you could depend on yesterday, might very well be gone today. What once worked so well for you, will eventually fail to bring the results you seek. So when conditions change, you have the valuable opportunity to change along with them. Life by its very definition is always changing. People who make the most of life are those who expect the changes, welcome them, and find the positive possibilities in each one. When you see changes occurring, instead of making a judgment make a careful observation. You cannot stop the changes that are already taking place, so your best strategy is to find the opportunities that are embedded within them.
And those positive opportunities are most certainly there. Rather than being fearful of the changes, be curious, and you'll see the hidden value in those changes.
You can count on the fact that the world will continue to change. And you can always choose to take the actions that will make those changes be for the better.

Only then, will you find COMFORT in CHANGE.

There Is So Much That Is Good...

We are at a turning point; a new president will be elected next week, Fall is upon us (or should be by now); and our generation is watching our children grow up right before our eyes. It is so easy to get mired down in the negativity, the sniping, and the gossip. All the "he said...she said," and the lies and deceit. Where have all the good things gone? We can remember back to a simpler time. A time when the biggest decision we had to make was what kind of cereal to have for breakfast, and then what cartoon to watch while we ate it in front of the TV. Now, it is decisions about whether or not to go back to school, to start a new career, or be a stay-at-home mom. Our minds are constantly spinning. We worry - a lot. We worry about what our children do when they are away from us. We think about the choices they will make that will shape them into the adults they will become and the contributions they will make to our society.

We see the news and read the newspaper, opening ourselves up to all the violence and misery going on in the world. Every now and then, there is a "human interest story," something that can make us smile or help us to appreciate where we are - but it is always buried at the bottom of the 3rd or 4th page and we might not see it. I must try and find the positive in the everyday things. The happy among the sad; the powerful among the weak; the love among the hate. It has to be there...somewhere.

So, we begin at home...with our families. Toss out regret and anger...both are a waste of time. Precious time that none of us seem to have enough of. Spend our time looking at the good in each other. Spend more time away from the TV and the video games. Play together. Laugh together. Remember what family is really all about. Whether it is a mom, dad and children, or a husband and wife, or children and grandparents; no matter what, do not forget what makes your family a family...Love. I know that there are times when we are exasperated by our children, or our spouse, but those times must be the exception, rather than the rule. For every negative, there must be TWO positives.

Be slow to take offense if indeed you ever take offense at all. For being offended gains you nothing and can cost you much. Have patience with the mistakes and follies of others. Instead of harsh criticism, offer genuinely helpful feedback so that everyone benefits. Forgive early and forgive often. Set yourself free from the heavy burden of resentment, and move quickly beyond the pain. Learn from your regrets, yet do not punish yourself with them. Today is a new day with more possibilities than ever before. Be truly thankful for all that is, and for your opportunity to experience it. You'll discover great stores of goodness and value when you simply have faith that they're there. Live beyond the petty, fleeting concerns, and focus on the profound and beautiful substance of your life. There is so very much good that you can always do with it.

Most of all, thank God for this day, for your ability to read these words, for the love that surely surrounds you. Thank God for the gift of rest - I know it seems as though we do not get enough of it when we think we need it, but we must "work while it is day." Thank God for the gift of friendship.

Live.

Laugh.

LOVE.