“All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another.” - Anatole France
Another big change is about to happen in my life, and this one I have brought upon myself, so I am looking forward to it. Many people struggle with change and they feel more comfortable with the security of routine. Stability and predictability seem easier to deal with and most people given a choice would opt for this sedate existence where things change as little as possible. The quiet waters of a lake are less challenging than the changeable ocean where its serenity can become a tempestuous maelstrom from one minute to the next. Although I enjoy serene waters as much as the next person, I do desire some variety and yearn for new challenges with ripples and waves in the sea of my life.
Our modern urban existence is a constantly changing environment and the pace of change seems to be increasing with enormous rapidity year by year. Technology is making our lives more complex, and more dependent on it, and it seems even the simplest of our activities relies more and more on technology every day. Even our lifestyle and morals are changing rapidly. People are more likely to change jobs more often, change partners, change hairstyle, change the place where they live. People change attitudes, change their minds and the way they live more easily and more readily than they used to, say 50 years ago. Some may interpret this as an increased stressor in today’s lifestyle. Others welcome the freedom that such changes may bring with them.
If change is looked upon with a positive attitude, people will find it easier to deal with. If one accepts the change, then dealing with it becomes simpler. This is especially true if the change is from an external source that one has no control over. What one must do is analyse the change, look for new opportunities brought about by the change and then act so as to make the most of those new opportunities within the context of the new changes. It is quite important to stay flexible and relaxed about the change, which will allow rapid response to obstacles that may appear ahead.
Stubborn resistance to change is a negative response and many people may hang onto the old status quo, denying that change is taking place. This means that one cannot respond to the new state of affairs, there is inflexibility, reduced ability to react in appropriate ways and one is more likely to be dismissed as one that clings to the past and is unable to keep up with the new ways.
I like change and welcome it when it happens. Sometimes I bring it on myself as I see the opportunities that the change brings with it. However, when one moves on and commits to the change, there is some sadness that accompanies the end of an era and the commencement of a new one. This needs to be acknowledged, and accepted and sufficient time need be given to the grieving process that will inevitably occur. Once one has dealt with this, the changed environment can be embraced and its opportunities exploited.
Nice blog on change. Judith Voist wrote a book titled "Necessary Losses" in which she says we go through the stages of grief even when we choose change because of the loss of what we leave behind.
ReplyDeleteChange for me currently is the seasons and technology. I got an Android Tab but I sometimes wish for simple less connected times.
But as I approached the end of your blog I found myself disappointed about you not revealing your big change (assuming it is more than a Tab). Whatever it is I do hope it goes as planned.
Wise words, eloquently expressed, Nick.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Tim, Nicholas, a very well expressed piece about change. I wish you the best of luck with whatever change is happening in your life now. I am sure that you will blog about it further when you are ready...
ReplyDeleteAn excellent post Nicholas, it is healthy to adapt to change and consider how we may make the best of it; however that is presuming that all change is for the long-term good.
ReplyDeleteChange brought about by eternal forces/sources however is more complex, it may be unavoidable change say of an unexpected closure of our workplace or that of political influences on our life. The former we can do little about bar than that of adapting to our new circumstances, the latter – if we feel that imposed change is detrimental to our own well-being and that of others, to our community or country – I think it is then something I would be unwilling to embrace, to adapt to without a fight. I would not view this as inflexibility but more so as an unwillingness to adapt to change for changes sake.
I feel that if we bow to change without (as you say) analysing the need for it – we lose our individuality. We may conclude that the proposed/enforced change is harmful and in that case it is good that we make waves and refuse to conform for if we do not we lose control of our lives.
That said I can’t wait to read of the change in your life you are looking forward to…
Anna :o]