Liz Strauss' Change post captures the opposing faces of change: "Change is a way of life. It's a way of staying alive." vs. "Change makes me weary and takes my feet off the ground."
Liz's post articulates my own ambivalence with change. Forget change for change's sake. That takes so much energy. Oftentimes I need a compelling reason to make a change. And the latest innovation in technology isn't it (I'm still mastering the old).
You've probably had this experience - you've thought about making a change, but procrastinate until some condition turns the tide for you. And voila - you make the change!
My 1-year blog anniversary lit a fire under me and prompted me to finally get my butt in gear (the spirit can't do it all!). You've probably noticed the new picture of moi. I took down the professional shot taken 3 years ago. What you see now is a candid shot taken this summer, minus my husband who was cropped out. I stopped waiting for the "perfect" candid photo to show up.
I also overhauled the about me page, throwing stuff out left and right. That felt as good as cleaning out my clothes closet, getting rid of things that no longer suited me. These are just a few of the changes I've wanted to make for months, but just didn't "get around to it." More still to come on the blog.
On the other hand, there are times I just don't want to budge. Like when I find a hairstyle I like, I'll keep it for several years. Or when a room is arranged to my liking, I rarely change it, other than to add or rearrange an accessory. Last year Clinique discontinued making the best foundation I've ever worn. I reacted by going to several department stores to buy up any remaining supplies. Now I'm down to my last bottle and I'm peeved that I have to find something else.
In contrast, we can look around and see others who are walking posters for change, like Troy Worman, who redesigns the look of his Orbit Now blog with regular frequency. I admire both his "redo's," and the energy that takes but can't imagine that for myself.
It may have to do with my age. My child-rearing years are behind me, and with it that long span of continual change. It feels good to coast when I can.
I've made some huge changes in the last couple of years, and a 360 degree change professionally this year, all by choice. To date, these changes are working out, but not without some upheaval and temporary distress.
Changes we don't seek out, that are thrust on us, like my husband's 5-month period of unemployment earlier this year, can prove more stressful. That change has brought some welcome trade-offs, but the financial recovery will take longer.
Change is a tricky element. I say I want to take it easy and coast. But sometimes I want dramatic change because I'm READY for it. Like when I went to my hairdresser 10 years ago and asked for a totally different look and got it! Or when I woke up one day in 1996 and said it's time to leave my 20 year social work career. Or even yesterday when I "saw" my dining room furniture arrangement in a whole new light, to change the look and functionality.
In hindsight, I can see that timing plays a big part in motivating me towards change. That and remembering to listen to the inner voice that has served me well. So that past experience encourages me to trust what I hear now.
My guess is that some people are programmed in the DNA to seek out continual change. How about you? What kind of change threshold do you have?
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