January usually invites the company of change and reflection. Many, I’m sure, are revising old promises intending to include them in their goals this year — attracting mixed emotions such as excitement, regrets and/or fulfillment.
Once in awhile we come face to face with ourselves; nature seemingly trying to align our physical age with our mental maturity, our level of content against other’s expectations and there’s this little “pride-check” on goals versus achievements. Some call it mid-life crisis, a small few see it unfortunately as dead end and others see the opportunity of life re-adjustment. Any of these summons a great deal of energy as life-changing decisions beckon.
But the New Year is not the only time for new beginnings as opportunity knocks when you least expect it. Do you believe that God challenges you to pave way to improvement: whether it’s to make us stronger, more patient, wiser, better? Do you believe we cannot plan change? That time will dictate or present what options we have?
The questions though: are you courageous enough to face the truth; do you have the wisdom to see reality as it is; can you trust fate that everything happens for a reason? Do you believe that there is a way out? Do you believe each choice you make has attached consequences?
So the company decided to make your position redundant after you have given the best of your years. Society may be cruel to accept the truth about who you really are. You may not win that club presidency, get the top job or get the school position you have been working hard for. Or you are finally paying for the bad behaviour such us speeding, indulging too much on alcohol or unhealthy food. Your partner is becoming agitated nagging you of the same issue. It’s now affecting you. Maybe it had to happen the way it did as time is telling us something — change is inevitable.
Some people don’t want to hear the truth because they don’t want to change. We are creatures of comfort and some are too proud that when something new or different is required; we get worried, defensive, upset, rebellious and at times, depressed. What we don’t realize is the more we fight change, the further we are left behind and we will feel stuck or helpless later on because we’ve ran out of choices. By then, it’s too late and too painful to admit that there is a need for change.
Yes, when we change we become a different person. Yes, you will never be the same you. But that is a positive thing. You know why? Because in change, not only does it build our character and allows us to push our boundaries but it also demonstrates our willingness to cooperate, our ability to negotiate, our skill to adapt and our capacity to be humble. In new beginnings, as scary as it is, excitement comes as its partner.
Death will come to pride, stubbornness, old habits and comfort — but a chance to greatness is presented. And when you’re at peace with that, you will feel reborn! Don’t be stuck in “convenience” — step out and discover what awaits your path. As long as you are kind to the world, the world will be kind to you.