|
 Empowering
Change
- Embracing the Flow of Life
By Jennifer Kunlire
Everyday we spend on this earth, we are invited to experience the lush
and marvellous process we call “change”.
Change has become one of the most significant factors in determining our
growth, development and ability to transcend all known elements of
experience. We are all changing inwardly and outwardly. Whether it be our
beliefs, relationships, careers, homes or family life, we are constantly
shifting. Sometimes these changes are graciously welcomed. Other times they
are completely resisted, ignored or delayed.
Since the only thing constant in life is change, it only seems fair that we
buckle down and embrace it. But really, what is change? Well, change is the
process of moving from one state of awareness to another, regardless of what
is actually transforming. The awareness moves from something that is known
into un-chartered territories.
Sometimes change can be predicted. We have trained ourselves to recognize
signposts of up and coming movements, thus we ready ourselves to embrace
them. This can be likened to the shifting of seasons. When we know winter is
nearby, we buy winter jackets, boots and gloves to prepare for the coming
chill. Yet when it hits, we act as if we’ve never felt cold before. It’s
that element of ambush that change constantly brings us. However, surprises
are not always the easiest thing to accommodate. We have been conditioned to
resist anything that obstructs our mechanical way of thinking, feeling,
acting and emoting. We want so much to usher in new opportunities, yet we do
not want to modify anything in our lives to make room for expansion.
So let us face the obvious. The longer we hold onto things that no longer
inspire us, the more rigid we become, thus hesitating to make any
adjustments at all. Our major challenge is our attachments to what is
familiar. We have enslaved ourselves to believe that routine is the only way
we can ever feel secure. What exactly is this security we constantly strive
for? Perhaps a job that brings increased income, yet does not provide you
with any happiness or fulfilment. Or a relationship we think offers
security, yet in reality causes more pain than resolve. These are illusions
we have created out of fear that we may not find anything better. But the
truth is, we have not allowed ourselves the pleasure of breaking out of
these familiar elements. So how can we ever expect to usher in anything new,
when we don’t believe it’s conceivable?
When change forces us into foreign soils, the first response we have is fear
based. We fear we may not be able to fully adapt to these new circumstances,
or worse, we begin to doubt our ability to diverge a new path of opportunity
from past shortcomings and disappointments. These are but mere disillusions.
The more readily we accept change into our lives, the smoother the
transition.
This is what I refer to as “empowering change”. You empower your sense of
self by accepting that you can replace whatever is “holding” you down, in
return for an uplifting sense of comfort. This can take place in any area of
your life and the power to do this resides right here and now.
Many of us stifle our potential growth by waiting for more time, energy,
money and happiness. We say, “Oh, when I can afford this, then I can change
that,” or “I’ll wait and see if things change then I’ll leave him.” But
reality is the longer we wait, the harder the transition. Then when a big
blow comes we remark, “I should have done this a long time ago.” Why do we
put ourselves through this? It’s time to create a better, more comprehensive
way of dealing with the flow of life.
What happens when we readily change, yet the results we get are not what we
expected? Or when we constantly move around from one thing to the next
without finalizing prior modifications? We end up receiving chaos. Change is
good for the soul, too much fluctuation destructs our ability to settle
down. What’s necessary is balance; an equilibrium between routine and
transition.
I have gone through some wonderful transformations lately. Some in which I
never expected to occur, others I’ve been anticipating their arrival, and
most have been like trying to climb Mount Everest. What I learned is:
- Finish one task before you begin another;
- Always have a point of reference from where to begin;
- Know what you want and make practical decisions to reflect the outcome you
desire;
- Sometimes the best things in life result from sacrifices you make to
attain a higher reward;
- To have confidence in your ability to transform your life in a healthy
way;
- Procrastination is a dirty little trap, run away from it while you can.
Sometimes what we expect to occur will manifest in a different form than we
anticipated, so the more objective we are in receiving this, the greater
chances are we’ll actually enjoy the process of metamorphosis. Change is an
element that stands timeless. Often fleeting, sometimes pressuring,
nonetheless it holds many gifts for enrichment if we allow ourselves to
delve fully into it’s unexplored components.
Let today be a reminder of the continual flow of life. Like a ocean there
cannot be a single ripple prevented from making it’s mark. Just accept,
embrace and let go. I enjoy writing about all the meaningful expressions of
life experience. I am amazed each and everyday. This fuels my aspirations to
uncover all the unique qualities of human nature.
Jennifer Kunlire works at the Calgary Public Library & is a Special
Needs Assistant. Jennifer may be reached at
jenkunlire@hotmail.com |
