Faces of Change

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?

Comments

[Dick Richards]

I'm glad you are keepin'on keepin' on with blogging along with all of that change, whether welcome or not. You are one of the very best at "listening to the inner voice" and reporting what you hear.

My most recent lesson about change had to do with letting go of the expectation that change would occur for others as a result of something I might do or say. There is enormous freedom in doing and saying my own truth without expecting that anything "out there" will change as a result. If it does, fine. If it doesn't, fine. That's not up to me. And I do proceed with the faith that my contribution to the great source of wisdom (call it collective unconscious, maybe) does make a difference even if I can't see it.

[Deb Call]

I appreciate your insight, Dick. You remind me that our real intent is to speak/be what is true for us. PERIOD. That's not to say that we don't plant seeds, or even influence others towards change. Taking that responsibility off of one's shoulder (to cause others to change) is definitely freeing, as you say, while the act of putting our own truth out there does create reverberations.

[troy]

Deb... Thanks for the mention and the kind words. Being mentioned in the same breath as Liz Strauss is quite an honor. I love your blog. It's awesome! And I love Dick's comments... This in particular struck me... "There is enormous freedom in doing and saying my own truth without expecting that anything 'out there' will change as a result." Wow! How true. It's pretty cool... this liberation... it's like one giving oneself permission to relese their own genius... or empower their own inner voice... Enormous freedom, indeed! Thanks again! You're awesome!

[Deb Call]

Troy, thank YOU for the passionate and vibrant energy you put out there for the rest of us. You blow me away!

[Liz Strauss]

Deb,
Thank you for this wonderful reading. I hear your heart beat as I move from one word to another. It's a connection beyond the web of minds meeting.

I just today found this link. Imagine. I so remember writing about change. It was wonderful reading where you took the idea. You spirit inspires me to keep writing because someone's listening. Thank you.

[Deb Call]

Liz, thank YOU. What I find so rewarding about blogging are the sparks of discovery that get ignited in me through the blog reflections of another. Blogging brings about so many connections, and interconnections, it can be mind-blogging!