Catch the Spirit of Change

Why do we make resolutions? Because we want things to be different? Why do our resolutions sometimes fail? Because we don’t want to change?

We’ve all faced enormous change as we’ve lived through this pandemic, so it may be hard to imagine intentionally introducing any into our personal lives. Change takes us into new territory and opens us up to the unknown, and that feels like too big of a risk sometimes. Even if we’re uncomfortable or unhappy with how things are, at least they’re familiar.

When you can catch the spirit of change, you gain a new perspective. You can eagerly list things that you want to change about your life, the same way you may have previously listed your resolutions. You can be much more specific when you commit to make a change, and that increases your chances of success.

As an example, my resolution might be to spend more quality time with my family this year. That is a general goal, but I can get more specific if I decide exactly what I’m going to change. How about this? Instead of being on the computer, one evening a week I will go on a special outing with my significant other and my dog so we can spend some quality time together outdoors.

Some important things to remember about change:

All you can change is yourself – you can’t change or control anyone else’s words, thoughts or actions (and the people around us often do change in response to our evolving or growing)
Beware! People around you may react to your changes in different ways – both supportive and challenging
Before you can change something, you need to acknowledge and perhaps even accept what it’s like now
The more you can plan and envision your new way of life, the easier it will be to manifest – visualization is key
Everyone goes through the stages of change at their own pace – give yourself enough time and space
Start with small changes and build from there – if you’re not ready to change your overeating or restricting behaviors, a small change might be to add one fresh fruit or vegetable every day to whatever you’re already having
You can also change your perspective of outside changes or losses in your life, seeing them as valuable stepping stones to your own growth and healing

While the support of a counselor can be crucial as you’re working towards change, creative modalities like art and writing can also be very helpful. There is something very cathartic about getting away from your devices, putting words or images to paper, and seeing what is revealed there.

If 2020 and 2021 have taught us anything, it’s that change isn’t going anywhere. If you accept that and look for opportunities to make specific changes instead of general resolutions, you can catch the spirit of change and put it to work in your own healing journey.

Here are a few closing words about change from some wise sources:

“Nothing endures but change.” – Heraclitus

“When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.” – Alexander Graham Bell

“When you’re through changing, you are through.” – Bruce Barton

“Change always comes bearing gifts.” – Price Pritchett

“We did not change as we grew older; we just became more clearly ourselves.” – Lynn Hall

“Continuity gives us roots; change gives us branches, letting us stretch and grow and reach new heights.” – Pauline R. Kezer

“The only man I know who behaves sensibly is my tailor; he takes my measurements anew each time he sees me. The rest go on with their old measurements and expect me to fit them.” – George Bernard Shaw

Some resources on this topic…

Necessary Losses by Judith Viorst is a book about how we grow and change through the losses that are an inevitable and necessary part of life.
Sandee’s Journal Prompts: Text JOURNAL to 835-522-1088 to receive Sandee’s journal prompts 3 times per week.