Any change presents a challenge that we are often not prepared for. Change disrupts our
normality, comfort, and the routine that we've grown accustomed to. I know this personally
because for the last year and a half, I've been attempting to fit my previous workout schedule into my new season of life. Due to this unwillingness to change, I've regularly missed multiple workouts, and I'm further away from my fitness goals than I would like to be. All this is due to me willingly overlooking the need for change while remaining married to my routine. I recently asked myself why I am so reluctant to make this change. And I discovered three ways to embrace seasons for change.
Acknowledge that with change comes some grief.
Author Arnold Bennett once said, "Any change, even a change for the better, is always
accompanied by discomforts." Change involves grief but also sacrifice. To give something up for something better is the definition of sacrifice, and the action itself is a change. We change routines, spiritual practices, hairstyles, eating foods, etc. Some changes are massive, and some changes are minuscule, but we can trust that no matter the size of the change, grief is sure to be included as well. However, J.K. Rowling suggests that "things we lose have a way of coming back to us in the end, if not always in the way we expect." Life changes are filled with hope and grief, but if you can see both and lean to the side of hope, change can be embraced.
Accept that with change, there will be some questions.
When life changes, we question if the discomfort will last. When we feel the initial
discomfort, it is easy for us to guess second if the change is needed. Some changes we decide to make, and other changes are outside of our control. But the questions that emerge can assist us in seasons of change. Entrepreneur Malcolm Forbes said, "One who never asks either knows everything or nothing." Emerging questions in seasons of change are normal but can be filled with emotion, reluctance, fear, or anxiety about what's next. I've found hope in seasons of change by asking my questions to God in prayer. This usually settles my heart, giving me a more rational perspective about my shifting season. I've also found it helpful to write down my questions, fears, and reasons for the anxiety surrounding the particular season of change. When I read what I wrote, I can process more about what may fuel my unwillingness to embrace seasons of change. Remember, questions can lead to a deeper understanding. But questions are not necessarily a reason not to embrace change. Questions are signals of a desire for clarity.
Don't avoid change. It could be fruitful.
The Greek philosopher Heraclitus offered his thoughts on change, saying "the only constant in life is change." No matter how hard we try, change is not easily avoided. The only way not to change is to do your best not to acknowledge the changes happening around you daily. Change is not always horrible! Yes, seasons of change are different, but some changes can make us more effective and help us reach the goals we've aspired to for years.
I'm committing to change this week because I have goals to reach, and I'm sure you do as well. The fruit of achievement, accomplishment, and better are on the other side of questions, fear, and reluctance. Seasons of change may be turbulent and scary at first, but if you can begin with the end in mind, you can make it. Good fruit, in the form of a new and better you, awaits on the other side.
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