Change- Embrace, Resist or Avoid? (Series on Change Pt. 1

Change-

Have you ever heard the saying, “the only thing that never changes is that things always change”?  Very true indeed.  There seem to be only 2 constants in life- God and change.  I must confess I am not very unlike my little furry friends, in that while I am a free spirited type of person, I am also a creature of habit.  Sort of a contradictory combo I guess.  With Summer turning to Autumn, and so many changes in my life the past year (some good,some highly difficult)-not to mention feeling on the verge of even more big life changes,  I am caught between 2 places- excitement and upset apple-cart-ness.

There are some changes I just love and embrace.  For instance- I love trying new foods, new recipes, meeting new friends, trying new kinds of nail polishes, makeup, fashion, knitting patterns, guitar songs, crafts, new decor, etc.  I don’t consider myself a plain person at all (I even have to decorate my cell phone & laptop!), and so in this regard I LOVE change!  In fact, the creative soul in me would get bored eating the same foods every week, or doing the same hobbies, writing about the same things (hence the variety in my blog) or even looking the same way.  In this way, my inspiration, passion and zest for things in life comes from embracing the new.

Then there are some things change wise that I resist at first and embrace later- such as the change of the seasons.  I love variety, and so I love all 4 seasons, but sometimes I am very resistant to let go of one season (even a snowy winter!) to embrace the next. It’s sort of sad to see one lovely season come to an end.  Maybe part of that is because time goes by so quickly ( I would sometimes freeze it if I could!) and with every new season that flies by, “Old Man Time”, in his sneaky way, is creeping up on us.  But then- as “Old Man Time” stops for no one, I eventually bend to his ways and end up reveling in the new season at hand.

Take Autumn for instance- while it is sad to say goodbye to all the sunshine, long days & nights and time outdoors that summer brings, – Autumn brings with it a richness of its own.  Crisp, cool air (sweater weather as my grandma used to call it), gorgeous colors, pumpkins, apple cider, and trick or treaters to name a few.  Such a cozy time of year, when you really think of it.  A time for beautifully sunlit days where the light dances on the vibrant color of the leaves. Then there are the chilly nights where you might enjoy an outside fire, or curling up indoors with a good book and a cup of tea in solitude, or maybe even snuggling up with a loved one.

Yes, I have been clinging to the remnants of Summer, and some of the lazy afternoons spent sitting in the chaise lounge reading books with my little outdoor kitty friends around me.  The tea parties with friends, the outdoor barbecues.  Summer has to go now though, and Autumn wants her turn.  I see her in all her vibrant glory, calling me to embrace the different things that she has to offer in this season of harvest.  I may have told “Autumn” to come back later (persistent little thing- she is!) with every “knock” at my door in the beginning, but I have embraced her now.  After all- “Autumn” comes and goes pretty quickly, so she can’t be put off for long! 🙂

There are some changes though, that I try to avoid all together.  These would be things like embracing the new decades of your life (transitional phases), aging-whether it be noticing the changes in your own body or noticing your parents are getting older, good-byes – friends or family members moving, changing locations yourself, or the worst-losing a loved one (be it pet or person).  It’s silly to try to avoid change, as it can’t be prevented and sooner or later you will have to stare it straight in the eye-whether you like it or not!

I remember the mixed emotions I felt when graduating from high school.  While I was so ready to be done with the “school” part of it, the sentimental side of me was not ready to part ways with all of the friends I had so much fun with daily.  I knew things would never be the same again and that is the part that was bittersweet.  Of course it changes again in your 20’s when friends or family members start getting married, having kids, or moving far away.  People try to stay in touch, but more often than not, everyone gets so busy in these phases of life that many of these relationships dissipate.

Then there is the “O crap, I am over 30 now!” thing.  🙂  How many of us completely want to avoid entering the next decade after the 20’s (30, then 40, 50 and so on)?!!  Do I try to avoid looking at those first shimmering silver hairs in the mirror that I know are just multiplying with time?  Absolutely!!  What about the even more fun stuff to come around the corner- People throwing you “over the hill” parties, the first wrinkles, gravity taking over, and maybe even growing a beard or mustache!!  (ok so maybe that last one won’t happen with any luck).  It’s going to happen, but will I avoid it as much as I can with wrinkle creams, hair highlights, makeup and such?  You betcha 😀

The worst of all of these things for me is saying goodbye to more of the people and pets in my life that I love so much.  That is something I never used to think of that I find myself dreading more with age.  In fact this is something I am currently dealing with that had not yet happened at the time I started writing this article on change, but that story will be for another time.

Whether it be literal seasons, or metaphorical seasons of our life, There is one thing that rings true that we must not forget- With endings come new beginnings.  Letting go of the familiar can be very difficult, but it can also be exciting to see what the next phase of life’s journey can bring. 

The truth is- we are meant to change.  Life is circular, not linear.  It’s like a big wheel where things are ever evolving (and sometimes we come full circle).  So since change is inevitable, how can we embrace it? We will be exploring this topic more in a little mini series I am doing for Fall on “change” , so be on the lookout for more to come! 

Thanks for joining me, as together We Live Inspired.  ~Rebekah

How do you deal with change- do you Embrace it, Resist it, or try to Avoid it altogether? 

linked @ A Cat-like Curiosity,Mercy Ink, On In & Around Mondays, Mondays Musings, Multitudes on Mondays, Be Simply Better -Tuesday Tips, On your <3 Tuesday,  Monday Meet up

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