It is Autumn and I am amazed by the absolute beauty of the changing colors. It seems every time I go around a bend or look out the window, the scenery is changing.
Some dislike the change because it signifies winter coming. In Minnesota this means much colder temperatures, boots, coats, snow shovels, ice and oh yes, the pristine beauty of white blankets of snow covering the country side and frozen sparkly droplets on the trees. I digress because I do in fact enjoy all of the seasons.
The fact is, I love change.
This is new for me in the last few years. I used to fight it longing for some semblance of control. It seemed just as I got comfortable with something there would be a shift and I would need to re think and plan a new strategy. I remember even thinking once in a moment of self pity how hard change is and that I wished it could be easy for me like it was for others. However, change is inevitable. Change happens and my perceived control was a facade.
My mom used to say, “If you can’t change it, give yourself to it.” As I have become ONCE timid, I have embraced the changes that have happened within my life. Sometimes it’s more challenging than other times. Yet, I notice once I stop fighting it, I actually become very aware. I learn new ways of doing things. My perspective of people and situations change. New opportunities present themselves and I become open to trying them. Have these things been there all along or am I now “giving myself to it” and embracing the changes? I like to think the latter.
The scenery of our lives changes just like the seasons. We may have challenges and obstacles to overcome. However if we are immersed in fighting it and looking at the negative we can miss so much.
This morning I watched the sun come up. As it filled the sky with it’s brightness, the light touched the sharp points of the leaves that are changing and still clinging to the branches. They glowed with radiant warmth. The colors became bold and the cattails in the wetlands cast shadows as they danced in the breeze. The scene was breathtaking and I watched and enjoyed it until the sun had completely risen.
If I would have been fighting the change, I would have missed it and my attitude would have been much different. By embracing the change, I found true joy and gratitude. I’m enjoying the journey and I’ve become less stressed, more content and a much happier person along the way.
What kind of changes are you experiencing? Do you fight them or do you look forward to them. “Give yourself to it” and see how things change for you. Please leave a comment and share your experience. I would love to hear what you have to say.
Tara Schmakel says
Thank you so much for reading as well as leaving a comment. I agree with you completely that you can take charge and tweak. Being open doesn’t mean that we just go where ever the wind takes us. However instead, our eyes are open and we see opportunities where there once were none. When we determine that those are options we would like to pursue, we can then see what best will match our values and standards for the life we want to live.
Cory J. Whitmer says
What an interesting time for me to read this story. We are getting all new computers with new and upgraded programs. I was getting frustrated with one of the programs and decided to take a break and stumbled across this article. God works in strange ways sometimes. After reading this post and a little reflection it has me looking at it in a little different light. All this new stuff in my life is for a better tomorrow. I will be more productive meaning less time at work. I will be able to help my customers more effectively and more efficiently. Change might not be as bad as I thought. Thanks
Cory J. Whitmer
Tara Schmakel says
Cory, I’m so happy this post helped! Sometimes a break is just what a person needs to get re-focused and re-centered. Your tomorrow is on track to fabulous. How could it not, with you at the helm!