Embrace Change

We all have a unique way of communicating our story, a way that reflects our life experience. The photographer uses a camera, the artist a brush, and the musician a melody or rhythm. But as the years go by our story changes. We look through a different filter, paint with a different color, sing a different song or feel a different rhythm. This past June family members came from all over the country to celebrate my son's graduation from high school. While sitting on the baseball field with picturesque mountains in the background, memories of parenting flooded my mind. I thought about how rapidly my children had changed and how I had to let go of some of my expectations in order to stay connected with them. As I eagerly awaited the moment of my son's graduation, the valedictorian read an inspiring poem and a few students performed original inspirational songs for the occasion. And then the principal addressed the students and their families. She made reference to Spencer Johnson's classic parable about change, "Who Moved My Cheese." It is a paradox of life that while our children change rapidly, we as adults try to put the brakes on the speed of change. We like to think to some degree we are in control of our life by holding on to what we're used too. "No," Hem quickly responded. "I like it here. It's comfortable. It's what I know. Besides it's dangerous out there." Johnson, Spencer "Who Moved My Cheese?"

During periods of my life I've resisted change, enjoying the moment, not wanting it to end. But eventually it does end and I begin a new phase that is not necessarily what I was hoping for. I've learned through the years that letting go and trusting that the change will be exciting, vibrant and full of new challenges, offers me a new way to look at life? a life in which everyday is new. Haw said, "Sometimes, Hem, things change and they are never the same again. This looks like one of those times. That's life! Life moves on. And so should we." Johnson, Spencer. "Who Moved My Cheese?"

Just look at nature's cycles. Trees bud in the spring and by summer they are full of delicious fruit. In the Autumn, leaves fall to the ground and when winter arrives, the trees are barren and the cycle begins anew. You know for certain there's an intelligence in nature's way of doing things.

What if we looked at life in this way? Since we know there are cycles in our lives, we can prepare for the inevitable next cycle. We know it will be colder in the winter and warmer in the summer, so we dress accordingly. We do not resist the cycles of nature, so let us not resist the cycles of our lives.

Now, here's the good part. If we know there are changes coming we can prepare ourselves by becoming more flexible and adaptable. If we know there are changes coming we can enjoy the moments when things are going well and when they are not, we can look forward to a better future. By embracing change as a way of life, we can look forward to change as opportunity, as adventure, as possibility.

It is essential that we have the tools to prepare us for this new way of thinking. Today there's an increasing awareness of teachings from many different walks of life that encourage us to be more open and flexible. As we look inward and take time for reflection through meditation and prayer we are more accepting of our differences and unique rhythms. And as we continue to expand we can embrace change as a way of life.

Let me know what is changing in your life. I love receiving your many responses and feedback. Thank you and keep them coming. Feel free to pass this letter on to the friends in your circle and let them know about the advantages of being on the journey.

Speak with you soon,

About The Author

Mark Susnow, formerly a trial attorney for 30 years is a coach, speaker, and group facilitator. He's inspired hundreds of people to believe in themselves and to achieve their goals and dreams. 415.453.5016

mark@inspirepossibility.com

---

Life Changing Attitude

Do you really believe that there is anything in this... Read More

You Cant Plant Apple Seeds and Expect Oranges

Cheri decided that she wanted to grow an apple tree... Read More

In The Midst Of A Storm, Theres Something More!

Have you truly tried and still failed? Have you pushed... Read More

You Have All The Resources You Need

You already have all the resources you need to accomplish... Read More

Affirmations for Success + Music = Pow!

Music penetrates our mental barriers and influences the deepest areas... Read More

Change

One thing in life is certain---change. Things never stay the... Read More

Accepting Change

Well I've finally done it...I turned my heat on. After... Read More

Surrounding Yourself With Positive Energy

Our lives are busy. We rush here only to remember... Read More

Creative Visualization For Successful Goal Achievement

No one becomes successful by accident. Motivational speaker Les Brown... Read More

Stop Complaining

You don't need to a piece of paper to prove... Read More

Life Energy

There is a growing appreciation of the impact of psychic... Read More

Absence Makes The Fear Go Yonder!

Emotions are controlled by a combination of reason and action.... Read More

Gratitude: the ICE that Fills Your Half Empty Glass!

Are you completely happy in your life right now? Honestly?... Read More

Thought Patterns To Create Success

Let's say you're ready to change some aspect of your... Read More

Creating an Emotional Retreat

Emotions have the tendency to take over our actions and... Read More

Never Quitting is an Attitude

Never Quitting Equals Success Most people who achieve fortunes in... Read More

Growing Optimistically

Spring is here at last! The season brings with it... Read More

Life as a Burden Vs. Live as a Privilege

Are you an optimist or a pessimist? Is the glass... Read More

Mastering Mindfulness: A Thinkers Ode to Meditation

I'm lucky.When I was fifteen, I was the sole survivor... Read More

The Enchanted Cottage

Decades ago, I saw a metaphysical movie that wonderfully illustrates... Read More

Being Tender With the Ugly Parts of Yourself

Does that title make you cringe? It made me cringe... Read More

10 Tips to Improve Your Self Esteem

Striving to improve our self esteem is on everybody's mind.... Read More

3 Little Words Equal More Power To You!

Life shouldn't be so complicated. Have you ever wondered why... Read More

Positioned For Success - The Refined Art Of Taking A Chance

ARE YOU IN... OR OUT?Are you in or out of... Read More

Such Is Life, And Its Getting Sucher And Sucher

Problems, disappointments and trouble; the three skunks that sometimes think... Read More

Lunacy at its Finest ... Crazymakers and Intimidators In Your Life!

Did you ever run into that person that just nags... Read More

Community After Tragedy

One Friday in November, I began a journey from New... Read More

Prisoner of Attitude

"Thinking is responsible for man's primacy on earth today. Existence... Read More

The Trouble with the Mind

Bernard always had a problem with money.He was always lacking... Read More

So What Is A Limiting Belief?

So what is a limiting belief?Don't you love the current... Read More

Mindfulness: Youre Soaking In It!

Looking for a bit more mindfulness in your daily life?... Read More

Thinking Your Way To Success: Materializing Your Goals Through The Power of Thought

THOUGHTS are powerful. The power of THOUGHTS cannot be underestimated.... Read More

Negative vs Positive: The Ever-existing Battle In Your Mind

WE ARE ALL THINKING ALL OF THE TIME.Can you believe... Read More