Time for Change -- Change is Good!

Have you ever felt like you were stuck in a rut, your life was the same or worse than it was a year ago, or that you felt something was a little out of place but you couldn't tell what it was? If you find yourself in a boring routine, not feeling like you're learning or growing, then it's time for a change. Many people are afraid of change. They associate change with pain -- pain of the unknown, focusing on things that could go wrong, and basically fearing changing the status quo.

Change is good! We are learning and changing creatures. That is what life is all about. If you look at a child and how quickly they learn new things -- learning to crawl, how to walk, how to talk, balance and coordination, learning about what is funny and how to become independent. Fear does not come naturally to children. It is a learned trait. And as time passes, fears can multiply if we allow them to grow.

If you are facing a change in your life -- direct the focus of your mind. Instead of thinking about the pain -- think about all of the things you will gain. You will gain new learning experiences. You may make new friends. You perhaps will earn more money. You will get into a position where you can develop your talents. Whatever the change is -- focus on all of the things which will benefit you -- and you will see more clearly how change is good.

I've just gone through this process myself. I've just finished moving. For weeks before the actual move, I began dreading it. I thought about all of the pain of packing, deciding what to keep and what to give away, finding a new place to live, making tons of decisions about where and when, etc. I thought about the time I would have to take off from work and the pressure of getting behind. I thought about the physical pain of moving boxes up and down stairs, carrying heavy furniture, and then cleaning the whole house. But then I make the decision that those thoughts were not serving me -- they were only causing unnecessary stress. I tried to go day by day and just do what I could in that day and not "fret" about the next step. Then I directed my thoughts to all of the good things which could come from this move. I could get into a newer place. I could have more freedom not being responsible for roommates living with me. I could get rid of "stuff" that I had been holding onto for years which I never used -- and give those things to someone who needed them. I could simplify my life. I could get a fresh start. (This is not to say I was perfect at this process -- I did have a few days of stressing out, but when I took a break and refocused, I found the process truly works.)

I'm into my new place and it is beautiful. I'm not quite out of boxes yet, but I like the feel here and I'm excited to see what this next chapter will bring in my life. Change is good!