Embrace Change, Celebrate Now
Change is the way of life.
I sometimes wonder why anyone would resist change. There's so much opportunity for living a life you love... and if change is what's needed to get there, I say, "Step into your courage, and let go!"
Then I remember that I too resist change. And I think I know why. You may be surprised to hear that I don't think my resistance is because of fear. No, that's the auto-response. Perhaps writing our resistances off to fear can sound like a darn good reason not to do, be or have what we really want. But I believe that fear gets far too much credit and power. So if it's not fear that brings up resistance, what is it.
Really, the best excuse for not embracing change is that nagging, familiar sense of discomfort. It's familiar which makes it comfortable... but it's not vibrationally aligned with my purpose or desire... which makes it uncomfortable.
Here's an example of how I saw this unfold with a Soulful Design client:
Let's call him Donald. He wanted to create a room in his home that was open, colorful and airy. This room had been dark with lots of wood, and deep, earthy tones, and rough, natural fibers. There were some mis-matched pieces of furniture.
He and his wife were ready to remodel this part of the house. They were both excited about the project.
Together we chose colors for the walls, shopped for furniture. He selected a high polish finish on the hardwood floors. We discussed wall art, found an exquisite Tibetan rug, and arranged a layout that would flow beautifully. Everything was coming together to create an outer reflection of their shared vision.
But in the midst of the process, Donald started talked about keeping the beige futon that had been in the room for years. It didn't fit with anything...at all. Not because I said so. I don't approach design like that. It didn't fit because the futon was not in the vision of their desire.
It was simply familiar.
What we discovered as I asked Donald about his interest in the futon was that he had reached that point that's between what's known and what's desired. That place we call the unknown. He hadn't changed his mind - or his heart - about what he wanted. He simply reached a point of resistance because he was moving into something complete new.
Once he saw his yearning for the futon was misplaced anxiety and discomfort with the unknown, he let go of the notion that he wanted to keep it. On my next visit to their house the futon was gone and never mentioned again. (Until I just brought it up!)
Just so you know, I often find ways to recreate or repurpose existing pieces when I'm working on a Soulful Design proect. In another home I might have suggested ways we could modify it with paint and re-upholstery. But that wasn't the point of Donald's resistance.
If you have become comfortable with the familiar - even though it's not aligned with your vision - you may find that you're resisting the changes that will bring your vision to life.
Remember what brings you the most joy, how you experience passion, purpose, love. Remember vividly what you desire. Then embrace change and celebrate what's forming anew.
You guessed it, I'm not just talking about designing or decorating here! I'm talking about living.
As for me, I'm embracing changes in my life and business. I'm even more courageous in what I now desire. A friend told me recently that I'm always transforming, and I think they're right.
This time, for right now, I feel the beautiful balance between letting go of what was -- and courageously stepping into what I am drawn to create and be in the world. I appreciate what came before, and I have conviction with grace to move into the momentary unknown.
Everyday brings opportunities for celebration, for transformation, for gratitude. It may mean letting go of the familiar-but-not-fitting-discomfort. It's so worth it!
I leave you with this thought: Lasting change, the kind that transforms, is challenging only because it requires releasing beliefs that used to bind or blind you. Let go.
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