Change is a Good Thing


The weather here in Eastern Oregon this January is quite different than last year. At this time last year, we had about 4 feet of snow in our back yard; this year you can still see the grass and the pumpkin remnants in our garden!  The change from year to year is significant. We did have nearly a foot of snow around Christmas, which was the perfect time for it -- but nothing since. Other than the fact that the water level in my favorite “fishing hole” (which is a beautiful, picturesque lake you will see a lot of later in the year...) will probably be low again this summer, I’m not going to complain.  I am Eastern Oregon born and bred, but I am NOT a winter girl -- bring on the warmth and the sun! 

January brings with it a new hope and excitement that few months in the year can match.  We get a clean slate to start over, if we think we need to. For my family and friends, much of 2017 was filled with a lot of difficulty and sadness; but it had some very wonderful and exciting moments as well. And, the year ended on a high note, so for me that positive mindset carried over into 2018.  Of course, I made the usual “resolutions” – get back into my healthy lifestyle of eating right and exercising regularly.  If I’m honest, I probably resolve that on a weekly basis!  I do pretty well for the most part, but there’s always room for improvement.   I also have your standard business goals – more clients, better bottom line, better organization.  Those are static every year.  What’s different for me this year is that in my life and in my business, I’m choosing to embrace change.  Willing to be flexible.  Willing to see things from various perspectives.  And willing to stretch myself. 

In the moment, I was very unhappy and uncertain with most of the change I experienced last year.  I had to tell myself OFTEN that I can’t worry about the things I cannot change.  What I could change was my reaction to it. We get stubborn with change; we drag our feet and just KNOW it’s going to be awful.  And it will be if that’s what you focus on.  I think back to all the things we experienced last year with our family and friends and every single situation, without exception, turned out well.  Actually, better.  So, change is my word for 2018.  If I feel myself facing a change in my situation, I’m not going to panic or get all weird.  (OK, I can’t promise to not be weird!) I plan to sit back and see where this thing is going to go. I will enjoy the ride! With change, we grow.  Without it, we are stagnant. After all, we must endure winter to experience the beauty of spring.

How does change make YOU feel?  Do you freak out?  Or do you accept it as a positive thing?  I’d love to hear your comments.


Cheers


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