Celebrating Change: A New You is Emerging

Is change something to celebrate? Often times when we think of change, fear is our first emotion. Most people do not like to think of change, because it feels like something out of our control. When you think of change what feelings come to mind; fear, doubt, anxiety, terror, dread, the unknown, unexpected, anger? Or do you look at it with feelings of; excitement, enthusiasm, anticipation, hopefulness, eagerness or even joy?

You have probably heard the saying, “Change is the only constant in life.” Since change is constantly occurring, then we must learn how to accept it, and even learn to celebrate the changes. Understanding change will be your first step to celebrating change.

Change has several faces. One face is Reactionary Change. This is the type of change that occurs suddenly, and therefore we must react. An example could be an accident, a death, a sudden loss of a job, illness or a divorce which requires us to react and realign our life.

Another face is Anticipatory Change. With this type of change we have advance warning, so we are able to anticipate the change. An example could be retirement, getting married, moving to a new city, or having a baby. We are allowed the opportunity to plan for the effects on our life.

And then there is the face of the Unknown Feeling Change. With this type we may not know exactly why we want to change; we just know we want something different. An example of this type of change maybe choosing a new place to live, trying a new route instead of the normal route, or trying something new at a favorite restaurant. This type of change allows us to explore choices and options.

The last face of change is Not Quite Right Change. With this type of change we feel that something is not quite right and that there could be something better. An example of this type of change may be deciding to redecorate the house, get a new car, or just make an improvement in your life. With this type of change we are seeking a change for the better.

As we come face to face with change we will realize the impact on our life. Regardless of our emotional state surrounding the change, there will be an effect on our lives. We may feel a fundamental change, which truly changes who we are at your core, our essence. Or we may encounter a revelatory change, an epiphany that gives us that “a-ha” or "light bulb moment" type of change. Or we may experience a habitual change, where we change a long held habit.

With all change there is a process that occurs. The process doesn’t necessarily happen in a specific order, but as we progress through the change we will typically experience each aspect. First we realize that the change is occurring, although this may take some time to recognize. Once we recognize the change is occurring, we need to factually disengage from the past. To do this we will need to see what the current state is, see there is a new way and accept that change is occurring. The most difficult process in change is emotionally disengaging from the past. We may realize there is a change but may not be accepting the change, and be yearning for ‘how it used to be.’ If we can see the anticipated end we will begin to process through the change and be on our way on the learning curve. This is where the opportunity begins. With each change there is the opportunity to learn and grow. Once we are completely through the change and on the other side we will internalize the lesson, the true blessing of change.

There is a goal oriented way of getting through the process of change which may help one move from fear of change to acceptance and celebration. The steps are:
1. Identify and define the change.
2. Communicate the results of the change.
3. Recognize what is NOT changing.
4. Remember personal greatness, strengths and qualities.
5. Identify the positive feeling the change will bring.
6. Make a new plan around the change.
7. Find a support network.

If we focus on the positive aspects change can bring, we will find the blessing in change, even a difficult change allow us the opportunity to grow spiritually, and may open new paths that we could have never anticipated. Change is a blessing, sometimes in disguise. Learning to follow the steps above will make change easier and may even enrich the process. The next time you face change CELEBRATE: a new you will be emerging!

Insights of a Tourist

Recently I spent 10 fabulous days in London with my husband, visiting our daughter who lives there.

The trip came up quite suddenly. While on the phone with our daughter one morning, she was telling me about her upcoming trip to Greece and how she did not have anyone to dog sit. I immediately hung up the phone with her and ask my husband if he would like to have a flat for a week in London in exchange for dog sitting. He said book the tickets! So, a week later off we went.

We arrived in London on Friday, that evening our daughter had arranged dinner at Gaucho which offered an incredible view of the Tower Bridge
and a scrumptious meal.

On Sunday, my daughter and her guy were off to Greece.

Hubby and I spent the next several days site seeing through-out London. We took a bus tour of the city, and a boat tour. We visited the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens, Trafalgar Square, National Gallery, Churchill's War Rooms. We strolled through the Portobello Market, the Flower Market, Hyde Park and Green Park. We even took a day trip out to Windsor Castle with the kids when they returned from Greece!

Somewhere in all this site-seeing, and walking, and trips on the tube it occurred to me that I was so enjoying just simply being a tourist. As a tourist, I was meant to be there only for a time, enjoying the sites, the history, and all that I could take in during my short visit.

Then the big epiphany came...aren't we all tourists here visiting this place we call Earth? How different would our lives be if each day we embraced the sites and splendor of this place? Would we live our life with more passion if we admitted that we are only here for a brief time? Would we try to make each day count? Would we determine our purpose, then live each day with that intention?

In this epiphanous state of mind my purpose became crystal clear; to make a positive contribution to each person I meet. I can do this not only in my professional capacity, but also by being loving, caring, and compassionate to my family members, friends, business associates, and others who cross my path.

Even though in our day to day lives we have bills to pay, deadlines to meet, health concerns, family situations, and many other facts of living to distract us, I encourage you to act like a tourist...look up, (tourists are always looking up!) see the sites, feel the air, embrace the splendor of this magnificent place! In doing so, you very well may ignite your passion, discover your purpose, and at the very least you will feel more alive!

As the saying goes, "The past is history, the future a mystery, and today's a gift, that's why it's called the PRESENT!"