Is Change Good? Dealing with Change
Posted: Sunday, May 01, 2011
by Jean Horst
They say change is inevitable - that is true. Change happens. I would have said that I'm a person who enjoys change. Much to the consternation of my routine loving husband, I like to "change things up" so to speak. I will vary routine just because I can. When we go to a restaurant, he likes to order the same thing without even looking at a menu. I feel like I should at least check it out, just in case I find something different that strikes my fancy. I like to vacation in new places, not repeat destinations. I will randomly drive someplace by a different route because it's there. Makes me a free spirit, right?
The whole "growing older" thing is giving me a struggle too. I would prefer that the changes of age all be mental and emotional, involving maturity and wisdom. This thing of not being able to see small print unless I'm in bright light or have on reading glasses WITH my contacts just feels insulting. The actual physical deterioration is not a part of life's changes that I think are necessary. I wonder when I'll give up on hair color and wrinkle cream.
I feel that quite possibly I've been a hypocrite, only embracing the changes that I've chosen and decided would be good changes while sometimes fighting determinedly against any change that life is bringing beyond my control. So maybe I'm not such a cool, "I-love-change" person. Maybe I'm a control freak. Maybe my routine has been my own planned, controlled change. While genuine change, the kind that just happens one day, is what I really need to learn to embrace. Instead of dragging rocks into the creek to make a dam so the water goes where I want, what I really should do is get a raft and float downstream to see what's there. There could be new friends, new adventures, new horizons of things unseen.
I believe that true growth probably only comes through unplanned change. Those are the things that force me to find who I am and what I'm made of. Can I adapt or am I stuck in patterns too rigid to flex. Are my definitions too narrow are my visions too small? I don't really know but I see change ahead, so I'd better go find out.
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More commentsI'm not one to embrace change (I'm more like Bruce a stickler for routine). However I've come to accept the fact change is inevitable and isn't always a bad thing. But I hear ya on the getting older thing. I hated seeing my parents age and now my kids are probably seeing the same changes in my husband and I. We have reading glasses in every room it seems, (but can never find them). If we can ever truly accept the fact that we have no real control over anything it makes life a little easier too. Like Teresa said (and said it so well) jump into the raft and enjoy the ride oh and hold on for dear life! Great article Jean, one to which most of us can relate, I'm sure.Thank you so much, Brianna. I didn't realize that so many people would relate. It's comforting.
Three kids; one of each!
I dislike change awfully, and am a creature of profound habit almost as absurd as Snoopy who always sleeps atop his doghouse roof.
PaulAfter 25 years, I've developed an appreciation for routine and I think Bruce would say he's developed an appreciation for spontaneity... guess we're bringing out the best in each other. Should be like that, right?
Change is the constant thing in life and if we resist it, then we are bound to face inner conflicts which affect our state of happiness. The best part is not to resist change and go with the flow along with as you said - proper planning.Thanks so much for your astute insights, DM. I'm so sorry I didn't respond to this MUCH sooner. I always appreciate your calm, thoughtful ways. I'm going with the flow and enjoying it immensely!
This was a great article, written well and very enjoyable.Thank you for reading and commenting Catharine. I appreciate it very much.
Hi Jean! I just read this article right now and was appreciating it in my heart.
About change, I feel, 'our response to a sudden change or just change shows us our level, whether we are matured enough to adapt to it or fall back.'
Great article...
By the way, I used to chat with Bruce about SW and get the news. The sudden changes that SW(which is our family) has to face is troublesome. But I want to assure you both that we are praying for SW and for both of you.
Take care,
Regards, ChiradeepHi Chiradeep, good to hear from you. Your kind, thoughtful words are very encouraging. We are doing well and I see some very good things coming from these unexpected shifts. Life is interesting that way. I know from past experiences that I've seen the best of life come from unexpected change.
Thank you again and thanks for your support and prayers.Jean, I love SW like anything because I don't know. I just love it for its people, its leader, its environment etc.
Yes, you're right when you said, "I know from past experiences that I've seen the best of life come from unexpected change." God brings best out of worst. I am a living proof of it. You can read my recent article, "How To Live Above Negative Situations?"
I remember a Bible verse in Romans 5:3-5, "...we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."
So all the best... Regards, CP
Some change is good and some isn't, eh?Probably. I prefer to err on the side of "change". :)
I don't like change just for the sake of change- I like changes which seem to indicate some kind of progress. I like to mix some of the old things that are still good, with the new things.We have to keep a sense of adventure though-or get left behind. Thanks Jean- Always EllaGreat thoughts, Ella! Thanks.
I realize I've read and commented when this was first published in May but I saw the title and clicked on it again. Like you said in one of your comments, it is comforting to know that so many relate to what you are experiencing. That's what I love about writing and reading here on SW. You realize you are not alone in your experiences or thoughts. Like Martha would say, It's all good.:)Thanks for this, Brianna. I've had some time to process since I wrote this and I can say with complete sincerity that the circumstances of my life have changed extensively in the last year but nothing that really matters has changed at all. My family is happy and healthy and exploring new horizons. The rest is just "stuff".
Change is the law of life, we must change with the times. Politically I consider myself a liberal because I believe in change.You are absolutely right, David. We have to change or we're stagnating. I believe in change too!
True to the saying "the only thing consistent in life is change."
My husband laughed on getting older, when he saw this bumpersticker "If these are my golden years, then I'm screwed!"Hahahahahaha. Thanks for reading and commenting, Elle!
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