A Season of Change

I love words. They can be thought provoking and motivating when properly strung together; sharper than a two-edged sword, as the Bible suggests.?Anyways. I heard a marvelous idiom yesterday and I can’t get it off my mind.?I can’t think of the last time such a straightforward expression has kept me so solidly focused. It’s been empowering.?Enlightening. Enriching.?And it’s so simple.

Consider this:

If not me, then who? If not now, then when?

Like a crystal, the colors of these words change when viewed from the different angles of your life.?Read this in light of family and think how it applies to the little things (doing the dishes or dusting) to the bigger things (loving, listening, reaching out, etc.).?How does it apply in your life to career, friends, service opportunities, personal growth??How does it apply to the decisions you make regarding your health?

Echoing in these words are change and work. ?As powerful as words can be, words alone cannot build, repair, produce or discover.?These require effort and action.?(Faith without works.)?At the risk of sounding preachy, it’s no wonder that we struggle with the big issues of life.?Career change, completing college, getting fit, or just learning to say ‘I’m sorry’ are the kinds of things that lurk in our minds and whisper that we should be doing something.?If not me, then who??If not now, then when?

Have you ever noticed that when the itch to change emerges, it doesn’t go away??Avoiding the issues of growth because of the effort required or the riskiness involved is actually more wearing than just diving in and doing it.?That little voice is what helps us decide to move, to stretch our potential, to be great.

So, as we pause to give thanks this month and reflect on where we’ve been and where we’d like to be, consider these points:

Believe in change.?

Change is inevitable, so don’t think you can’t because of your situation.?Take charge and change. (And believe that others can change also).

Take chances.?

Life is risky.?If it feels right, jump, and trust that the inner voice comes equipped with a parachute. Learn to recognize options and opportunities.?Change jobs, start a company, get that checkup. If not now, then when?

Believe in second chances.?

If your fitness regimen has stalled – reignite it today. And be open to a-typical alternatives.?Happiness doesn’t come in a package, so don’t conform your life to stereotypes and norms, find out what’s right for you and dive in. ?

Pursue your dreams.?

Why did you become a programmer or optician in the first place??Either rekindle your flame for what you do, or do something that lights your fancy.?Unhappiness is a signal to change, and it’s you that generally needs to make the first move.?

Choose growth.?

What’s the opposite of growth? Stagnation.?Find a pace in life that’s comfortable, and be consistent.?Growth doesn’t require a speedometer.?Just a direction.?So, as the holidays distill upon us, let’s all choose to have more happiness than hurry.?