For many reasons, I had been churning inside all summer. So, in an effort to invoke change and progress, I began shaking up my personal world like a snow globe in ways both large and small. Finally, this Fall, some positive changes happened in my life which I believe will put me on the path I have longed for.
Even though I am welcoming these changes, I have suddenly had to make adjustments and choices that caused me great stress. It was not long before my body reacted to this in negative ways. What puzzles me the most is that I am happy that these things are changing, so what is the deal? What is the verdict on change: good or evil?
Changing things in our lives is often necessary, and one can find a plethora of inspiring quotes about how great change is. There is that book about moving the cheese and all that good propaganda telling us that change is good. I used to teach all that stuff in workshops on how to be a “change agent.”
The truth is that most people are no “007 – Agent of Change.” Most of us hate it and are made unhealthy from the stress endured as a result. Yet, we seek it out. Like when we pick up the snow globe, we can hardly resist shaking up our little world. I have often made changes that I probably could have skipped, just because I was feeling restless, frustrated or discouraged. For a while, I consciously resisted change, thinking that I might be just the tiniest bit addicted to it.
I also know that change, when truly needed, can bring us closer to our life’s true path, and that once the storm subsides, the body and stress levels can once again calm down and settle into a more calming routine.
If you find yourself in the middle of the snow storm in your little globe, remember that it will all calm down soon. Remember to breathe, as always. And remember that you do not have to shake it, just in case you forgot that you have a choice.
