THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021 DO I HAVE TO CHANGE?

 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021 DO I HAVE TO CHANGE?

Quotes about change

“The measure of intelligence is the ability to change” -Albert Einstein

“The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude” -Oprah Winfrey

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Scenario.  The doctor is seeing a patient.  The patient recently had a major heart attack (fortunately his spouse recognized it and got him to the hospital).  He is about 50 pounds overweight, he used to smoke, he drinks a couple of beers every night, he doesn’t exercise.

But, he adores his grandchildren, his wife, and his friends.  

The doctor says “John, if you don’t change your ways, you are going to die in a year.  You won’t be so lucky next time.”

John does have a choice.  If he doesn’t change he probably will die in a year.  (Even though the doctor said that, he might live a few years longer).  The next time, it could be a stroke and that could affect his brain, movements, speech and more.  

He might look in the mirror and say “Hey, it's been a good life.  I really like who I am.  I’m going to die eventually, so what if I die in the next few months or in a year?”

Or, he might look at the photos on the wall of his grandchildren - and say “I really want to be around to see Zach graduate from high school and college and get married.  I want to see Toni playing on her soccer team.  I can’t allow myself to die.”

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We don’t HAVE to change.  This man can continue his lifestyle - and (if the doctor’s prediction is accurate) die within a year.  Or he can hire a fitness coach for a couple of months that will help with his exercise, nutrition, activities, weight loss, attitude and more.  There is no guarantee that he will live longer if he gets the weight off, gets regular exercise and eats better, but the odds are more in the positive direction.  

He is faced with options.  Change or not.  

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I know a lady that likes to complain about her health.  She almost brags that she has diabetes, she has sleep apnea, she has vertigo, and more.  I sense (not judge) that she is limiting her ability to change.  Her negativity has limited her horizon.

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People in hurricane areas have the option of leaving town before the hurricane hits, or riding it out.  (After all, Jim Cantori from the Weather Channel actually goes to where the hurricanes are headed!!!)  And, being financially honest, leaving town might be expensive - hotels, gas, food in restaurants away from home, staying at home might mean the loss of power - so no TV, no refrigerator, but the person can sleep in their own beds and watch the trees fall on the neighbor’s garage.  

Change or not - there are options.

When our daughter was about 10 years old, she needed to stay overnight in a hospital for a condition.  She was in a shared room with a 72 year woman who had a mild heart attack.  I was about 38 at the time and I could see this lady’s flabby arms and (very naive) was thinking - she could work herself back into shape if she wanted to.  

But, you have to want to.  

So, you must want to change.  And, if you want to be a success at the change, you might need to spend some money (such as a coach,further education, or advanced degree, or equipment).

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Scenario 2

Eleanor worked for 30 years with Smith industries.  It was a good job and paid well. There were good benefits but the work got to be pretty boring.  When she had worked there ten years she took an Alaskan cruise with her partner Janie.  She loved the trip, the scenery, the people, and the exhilaration  of the experience. And, the best part was, the cruise line was just getting started and she was approached to be part of the new company.  She turned it down - after all she was happy where she was.  Janie, though, jumped at the opportunity.  They broke up.

Over the years, they kept in touch.  Janie grew with the company, and had many opportunities, while Eleanor stayed with Smith Industries.  And, Eleanor was mad at herself for not being open to change in her life.  

After 25 years, Smith Industries was bought out by another company.  She got less money, and had bosses that were hard to deal with and the job became depressing and painful.  She retired and was lost.  She didn’t have a job, she had reasonable social security and pension, but she felt like she had lost out on life.  

**

It can be hard to know when opportunity knocks and if a change makes sense.  

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Lars worked for a non-profit agency for many years and was the head of the local branch.  But, times were changing and the national organization wanted younger and more vibrant employees, and Lars was cut - fired - dismissed.  Lars went into a major depression.  He had given 24 years of his life to this agency.  And - nothing.  Barely a thank you note.  

The next year was very difficult for Lars and Mirabella.  Lars did get hired by a small for profit agency doing similar things.  It took time for Lars to wrap his head around the new position, but they allowed him to come along at his own speed.  It was over a long weekend when ideas started popping in his brain.  A new spark fired him up.  He opened his mind and heart and soon was moving up in the organization.  A patient and happy man, he found that people listened to him.  His nature was perfect for this new position.  He retired a year ago, but still works twice a week (when he and Mirabella aren’t traveling or watching their awesome grandchildren.

**

Sometimes “things drop into place” (but, Lars believes that it was providence / God that brought it all to pass).

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So, change - frequently it isn’t the money, the conditions, but the opportunity for new growth that motivates us to embrace change.

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“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” -Leo Tolstoy

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LOVE WINS!!!

Karen