I watch the ripples change their size, but never leave the stream of warm impermanence. And, so, the days float through my eyes. But, still the days seem the same. And these children that you spit on as they try to change their worlds are immune to your consultations. They’re quite aware of what they’re going through.
Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes. Turn and face the strain. Ch-ch-Changes. Don’t tell t hem to grow up and out of it. Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes. Turn and face the strain. Ch-ch-Changes. Where’s your shame. You’ve left us up to our necks in it. Time may change me. But you can’t trace time.
— David Bowie, Lyrics from Changes
For some reason I am okay with change. In fact, when I see it’s necessary, I usually step forward, adapt and prevail. What else can one do?
That’s not to say I don’t think carefully about the issues involved. Significant changes such as sending children to a new school, moving to a different home, switching employers, leaving a profession, or adding family members often require swift forethought. In order to be successful, transition calls for proper consultation, preparation and management of all impacted.
I’m thinking about change because it is constant in my world. Ever since I took my first breath, life dazzles, amazes, teaches, twists, bends, whirls, chills, blows, sucks, and disappoints. What about yours?
I call it beautiful chaos. Yes, I think I borrowed that phrase from a famous celebrity couple. If you can guess who, pat yourself on the back. Sorry, no prizes or cookies available.
What other choice is there? Stagnation. I agree. Change messes with routine, takes us out of our “normal” environments (whatever those are) and pushes us to step out of our comfort zones.
Sometimes staying the course is the right path. But, its important not to fear moving in a new direction. I remember all the employer changes I went through my first year out of college. Monster.com’s slogan, never settle, described my determination to find the right employer with the right opportunities to build my skills and experience. If I had resisted making necessary changes during that time, much of what I love about my life today wouldn’t exist. I wouldn’t have met my husband and I wouldn’t be a mom to Issa, Riff, and Buddy.
So, my vote is for change. Embrace it. Stagnation doesn’t benefit anyone.
Kate Parish 