Life is filled with changes. Change is necessary in order to make things better. The more you learn, the more you change. It seems as if nothing remains the same. Therefore, we have to make adjustments and change. It amazes me how a new cell phone can almost be outdated in less than a year. Thank God older model phones are kept current by the upgrades. That’s why the makers of your phone always send you updates that you should allow.

You used to be able to purchase a new car, get familiar with its technology and drive away. Now with newer models you almost need to take a class to learn how to operate its features. You need to study the manual to operate it properly.

You ever take note of yourself – your life? Can you see how you’ve changed over the years? What appealed to you in the past ceases to appeal to you now. Your desires, emotions, likes and dislikes changed. You changed for the better or worse. In this self-awareness, you realize that change is inevitable. Change waits for no one. So rather than resist it, or avoid it, it’s time to embrace it.

“Change is the law of life.” (Unknown)

So what is change? Change means to make or become different; to alter or modify. Change means to replace with something else, especially something of the same kind that is newer or better. It is to substitute one thing for another. Change can also be described as modifying, amending or transforming. It is progressive. Change is often said to be the only constant in life!

Let’s consider some reasons for change.

• Self-improvement.
• Wanting more out of life.
• Different environment – relocation.
• New career or career growth.
• Salary.
• Acceptance of the loss of a loved one.
• Meeting new friends.
• Learning a new skill.
• New look.

Change is not always easy. It can be challenging because we’re forced to do something different. This is when we have to understand the ‘why’ for the change. In life we encounter distress, disappointment and discomfort which can be self-limiting. We then come to the realization that the path of least resistance will always be presented to us. This is when you have to challenge yourself and face the fears of what you think might happen. We’re controlled by the ‘what if’s’ – all of which have not happened and we don’t know if it will. 

“Change is the law of life and those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” (John F. Kennedy)

There are some things we can’t change, nor can we control.

• Everything changes and ends. The fear: we may lose what we have.
• Things don’t always go according to plan. The fear: our expectations will not be met.
• Things aren’t always fair.
• Pain is a part of life.
• People are not loving & loyal all of the time.
• You will be lied to.
• Your health will be challenged.

So what am I saying to you? Embrace change in your life. Stop trying to hold on to something that will not remain the same or lose its usefulness. It was good, but you must move on. This applies to relationships as well. Don’t keep people in the same place you found them. They grow, develop and mature. Don’t lock people into unrealistic expectations because hopefully they will change for the better. Live and let live!

Stop resisting change. Things change for the sake of improvement. Allow change to improve your life. 

“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” (Victor Frankl)

Dr. Theresa Scott

Optimum Living Advisor