To Get Different Results, You Have To Do Something Different

That is a paraphrase of Einstein’s wisdom.

Change.  It is really the only constant that is guaranteed in life. Yet, very few of us like it or deal with it well much less embrace or welcome it.

Everything changes but change itself. - John F. Kennedy

Boy, I sure didn’t handle it well at all or like it. Change was to be avoided at all costs.  I would stay in my comfort zone – even if it meant being miserable – rather than make life changes.  I thought committing suicide was preferable to facing a big change.

The visual of me hanging on to something for dear life and having a tug-o-war with it being ripped out of my hands comes to my mind to portray my old attitude towards change.  That or me running like hell as if I was being chased by a bear.  What I realize now is that, sooner or later, the bear is always gonna catch up.  I used to just wear myself out running away and trying to figure out clever maneuvers to avoid the situation.

Now, I put all that same energy to work for me instead. The first step in the process of change for me is accepting “what is”  and becoming aware of and letting go of resistance.  This may take days and may involve tears or cuss words. Once I can say “OK. Now this,’”  I take a big breath, and figure out the best way to proceed and how to make the situation play out for my growth and benefit.  Notice I did not say “to my preference.” It is not the same thing.

I don’t even have to be forced into change kicking and screaming by some self-made catastrophe these days.  I am open to it and even seek it out.  I have kind of a bold curiosity about it.  I think that it  is what makes life rich.

Wherever we are, it is but a stage on the way to somewhere else, and whatever we do, however well we do it, it is only a preparation to do something else that shall be different. - Robert Louis Stevenson

It has been my observation that usually something comes along that is even better than what I was trying to hang on to.  A minor example of this occurred to me today. I was very hesitant to move from my former house because of a lake and park that was within a short walking distance.  It has a paved path around the lake where I used to run and walk with the dog.  I did a lot of healing around that lake. I  know that those trees and that water even the geese and turtles all played a part.

I looked for a place to move close enough to continue using it.  I did not find one. Now, I have to get in the car and drive somewhere to run and walk the dog.  I am discovering all these wonderful parks and trails nearby.  This morning on a trail deep in the woods, I came upon a bamboo forest!  Just magical.  I never even knew all these wonderful places were here and would not have, if  I had not given up my old routine.

In uncertainty lies all possibility.  That one is by me.