I could psychoanalyze why I feel like I have to always be ready for change, but rather than do that, I simply want to reflect on what it means to be ready for life changes.
First of all, we all know that there are some life changes we can prepare for and others that take us by surprise--we can't anticipate or ready for every life change.
Yet, there are some life changes such as marriages, graduations, new babies, and aging in general that are mostly expected, changes we can plan for.
Planning for these changes takes many varied routes depending on who you are and what's important to you.
There are those who face aging with a bucket list--the list of everything they want to do while they're still able to do it, and there are those on the other end of the continuum that face aging with denial and never prepare for the inevitable. The same continuum exists for any celebration or milestone--some simply receive their diploma in the mail, go to the Justice of the Peace on a whim, or surprisingly show up at the next family function with a new baby while others plan graduation parties, big weddings, and baby showers. We all face change in different ways, and the changes we face differ too.
I was struck with this topic over the weekend as I visited family members who are facing big changes with regard to lifestyle. It was a stark reminder to me of just how short life is, and how tasks we take for granted while we are younger become much more difficult in our later years. I also thought about the domino effect of change, because when one family member or friend's life changes, everyone around them is impacted.
With good energy, time, and light this morning, I have a few minutes to think on this topic and consider what's important to me with regard to change:
First of all, we all know that there are some life changes we can prepare for and others that take us by surprise--we can't anticipate or ready for every life change.
Yet, there are some life changes such as marriages, graduations, new babies, and aging in general that are mostly expected, changes we can plan for.
Planning for these changes takes many varied routes depending on who you are and what's important to you.
There are those who face aging with a bucket list--the list of everything they want to do while they're still able to do it, and there are those on the other end of the continuum that face aging with denial and never prepare for the inevitable. The same continuum exists for any celebration or milestone--some simply receive their diploma in the mail, go to the Justice of the Peace on a whim, or surprisingly show up at the next family function with a new baby while others plan graduation parties, big weddings, and baby showers. We all face change in different ways, and the changes we face differ too.
I was struck with this topic over the weekend as I visited family members who are facing big changes with regard to lifestyle. It was a stark reminder to me of just how short life is, and how tasks we take for granted while we are younger become much more difficult in our later years. I also thought about the domino effect of change, because when one family member or friend's life changes, everyone around them is impacted.
With good energy, time, and light this morning, I have a few minutes to think on this topic and consider what's important to me with regard to change:
- Good times with the people I love tops the list--I want to make sure that we work to build our relationships with one another in ways that are strong and positive. This takes intention, planning, and places that are welcoming and positive.
- Being there for those I love, work with, and serve and giving what I can to support their lives today and the changes they face.
- Taking care of myself too so I have something of value to give.
- Working in the community to forward the good possible.
- Enjoying the wonder that's around me--the wonder of arts, nature, intellect, architecture, and more.
How can we live good lives and be ready for change too? Being healthy helps. Creating warm, welcoming spaces helps too. Having extra time and energy to give when people need you is important too.
Some life changes are positive and welcome by all, and others are challenging at best. Change happens, and we need to do what we can to be prepared, positive, and proactive in the face of change.