As the new decade dawned at the beginning of this year it was filled with promise. Turning over a new page of life and hope for the future. What has transpired has been decidedly different. It has been six months of real change and upheaval in the world.
While these events were unexpected, they highlighted our ability to adapt. One thing we can guarantee in life is that we live in a state of constant change. It is an inevitable part of our humanness that helps us build courage and resilience.
“The measure of intelligence is the ability to change”
Albert Einstein
Each day marks an invitation to begin anew. To make sense of the world around us and our part in its existence. When we open our eyes, our senses are bombarded with life. Our minds quickly switch on to the daily tasks, concerns and planning of the day. Its easy to get distracted by the latest news feed or the multiple calls on our attention, whether it be other people or the objects of our lives. It can feel like we have stepped into a flowing river and are carried along over the riverbed, rocks, and debris. We might catch a brief pause as we hit a stagnant patch and rest, but eventually the constant flow catches us once more.
Most people go through life adjusting to the uncertain dynamics that act on them. The signs of anxiety, depression and helplessness may be our inner voice recognizing dissatisfaction with our current situation. Outwardly it can be observed in the body as lethargy and inaction. Once we are in this mindset it is a difficult one to shift. Only through summoning the strength to act in a situation that no longer serves us can we begin the process of change.
What are some of the attitudes required to take this journey? :-
Being resourceful. Our ancestors have given us many of examples of how they were resourceful with changing circumstances. Many times, they overcame obstacles by bouncing back and finding new ways to navigate life. We hold the resilience of our ancestors within us and we can honour that by showing up as best we can. Imperfect action is better than no action at all.
Being compassionate. Life will continue to give us both small and large changes of circumstances to deal with. We can be aware of our responses and give ourselves compassion when these changes are unwelcome. Part of who we are is living through the struggles presented to us in our lives. Practicing with the small changes helps build strategies for when the bigger challenges come along.
Being adaptable. Sometimes major shifts happen to us and we are forced to adapt quickly. In our everyday lives we can look at our ability to go with the flow as small changes happen. Living with acceptance rather than resistance to improve our life balance.
Being intuitive. Often, we have a sense when we need to change. Begin by asking for guidance. It might be through prayer, journaling or expressing our thoughts in conversation with others. Listen for an inner ‘gut’ reaction to how you feel about the planned change. Does it give you a sense of excitement or anticipation? Or perhaps it is one of mild panic or inertia.
Being conscious of the effect of decisions on others. Check the integrity of the change by speaking with those people who are either directly impacted or who you can trust. Are there concerns or negative reactions from them? If so, are they based on fear or a dependency on you? Can these concerns be addressed?
Being open to change. It is important to acknowledge that there is a risk in changing direction as this is an important crossroad. It is not possible to eliminate all risk and if we attempt to do so it can lead to paralysis of action. Move forward methodically and take the actions that support your choices along the way. Once you begin, let go of the outcome. See each step of the journey as embarking on a new adventure. You never know what surprising detours may happen along the way.
The hardest work comes in getting to the decision. Once you have an end goal in mind it is as if invisible tracks spread out before you. Opportunities arise with some ease and solutions become apparent.