The only thing certain in life is change. This is a slight riff off of Heraclitus “change is the only constant in life.” Experiencing change is as true now as it was 
2500 years ago, and before. Somehow those Greek philosophers got the concept, just as I am sure that in the thousands of years of humanity before that, survival was of the utmost importance. The theme of the day was adapt, embrace change, or die.
During my classes on change management, I shared a variety of change curves and constants. The curves describe the phases of change we go through and how we greet and accept change. It is used a lot in behavioral health to help people understand where they are in the change curve when they are trying to make a life change and what it will take to move forward. For organizations, they use change management techniques to determine how to implement a change and then how to assess employees on how they are managing change. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that if you aren’t a good change master, you may not last long in work or life.
In my lives, I have certainly been through a good dose of change denial and anger, but at some point, we take a deep breath and recognize it’s time to explore. I always wonder how early adopters embrace change quickly. Perhaps they are inquisitive, they love adventure, or truly understand the only thing in life is change. Change or die, emotionally, physically, or spiritually.
I like the idea of greeting and embracing change. Change could be an unwanted house guest that deserves a bland greeting or a refusal to open the door. It happens. Or Change could be the houseguest that comes frequently and at some point, you create a comfy spot for this frequent visitor. Our internal voice listens to and “greets” change. It could be a “Welcome! Come on in!” or it could be an unfriendly welcome based on our level of anger, avoidance, resistance, procrastination, exploration, discovery or acceptance.
When my husband decided to go plant-based last year, I didn’t greet that change anywhere near with open arms. I was resistant, angry and in denial that we needed to do make the change. I was being asked to cook with just plants. At the time, I was cooking rather gourmet meals, some with goose fat and a good many with animal products. But then I decided to explore and research and decided the Forks Over Knives cooking course would help me with the change. And it did.
For many of us, some of our personal change greetings may sound something like this:
“I won’t do that.”
“I can’t do that.”
“I couldn’t do that.”
“I might can do that.”
“I should do that.”
“I could do that.”
“I can do that.”
“I will do that.”
“I am doing that!”
All of those were me and “I am doing that now!”
Itsyourseason.life revolves about life – your life changes, enjoyments, trials, tribulations, new experiences, and releasing the old ones. I like the idea of releasing. It’s gentler, kinder, and full of intent. It’s not tossing or throwing out. Conceptually, it’s really just opening your hand. And perhaps your heart.
Six Tips to Embrace Change:
1) Read each statement above aloud and see which voice resonates closest with you and which voice you tend to use when managing a change.
2) Think about how you “greet” change. Are your vocal arms open and inviting change into your environment?
3) Write down one change you have been told or are choosing to make this year. Which greeting voice are you using?
4) Write down one change you want to make this year. Which greeting voice are you using first?
5) Do you need to adjust or correct your voice?
6) What might a friend hear when you greet your change?
Why are friends important? Researchers of The Blue Zone share that a moai network, helps people experience less stress and live longer. I feel that perhaps it is also because there is someone there with you helping you through change. Whether it is being a new mom, losing a partner or spouse through divorce or death, your own health challenges, a move to a new area, retirement or improving your health, a moai of friends may help support you through your change.
We adapt to survive. We intentionally make a change to live.
“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.”
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