Change

Let us briefly revisit and review the meaning of change. The December 5th, 2022 Blog, entitled “Change” states the meaning from the Oxford Dictionary: The verb change in the Oxford dictionary means to become/make different; to become different. 

Most often we strive to make change(s) in our lives to exact a particular result, with the hope to create a positive outcome, which we equate to success; satisfaction, greater happiness, wealth, health, etc. In the case of a successful outcome we undertake a particular action or actions to bring about the desired result.  Also, in these cases we are often the one in control to do so.

Imposed man-made changes; changes by human design; structures and systems and sometimes collectively imposed on us are not usually part of our own personal design. Imposed changes pose challenges and stressful situations and circumstances.

We are all currently exposed to great societal changes brought on by huge global events either foreseen by some or unforeseen by others. Our lives and way of life, on all fronts, seem to be under attack. Change that is not within our purview can create a lot of mental and emotional distress, and fear is often the most debilitating. Many of us are looking for answers within a man-made world of little solutions or answers to problems created by our governed design. It is human, on the other hand, to look for future forecasts, again in hope that a particular affect that would ensure some sort of guaranteed satisfaction or success. There is one thing to know, and that is that change is part of life and our material existence.

Change does not generally point to success. One man’s success is not another man’s vision of accomplishment. We live in a world where money seems to be the unanimous answer or catalyst for change and the search for success in our lives. Money is the general answer and solution for many. Why? Most of us want the comforts of life and the satisfaction of having without having to work tirelessly for what peace of mind, and the luxury of time to pursue our true dreams in life. In our world, today, money is the temporal fix-all solution.  

Selling change and success is big business. A lot of people are selling happiness packaged in workshops seminars, self-help tools, life coaching, etc. We hope to glean some learning from the wisdom of those who have experienced a lot and come through as shining successes. The best of us are looking for lasting effects.

The magic is in living, and living life fully through your experiences as it comes, and not being afraid to embrace failure, for often times it is failure, criticism and even disappointment that drives our search both internal and external. It is important to have dreams and it is important to work towards your goals, despite obstacles and challenges. There is no recipe for the perfect life, but there is such a thing as perfecting the art of action and inaction. The best test and the greatest teacher that holds the magic is Time itself.

Ideally we all have to be able to dig deep within our inner selves and understand how we can bring about true and lasting effects that create goodness for others and ourselves. So, I ask you another question, what is change for you?  

(Questions are meant for your quiet reflection and for your personal notes, for now.)