Golden nuggets of wisdom. Sometimes they come to us in small conversations that at the time seem inconsequential. Then later on a light bulb goes on and we realize “Yes!”

Embracing change & its challenges

One such nugget came from my father years ago. It was about change. He said to me, “Susan, adaptability to change is absolutely crucial to succeeding in life. It is pointless to resist it. Learn to not only adapt to it, but also welcome it. There is growth in change.”

Down the road I sold everything I owned, and my partner and I set out to do some world travel. I don’t think he expected that. But I will tell you, it has been an extreme exercise in embracing change.

Challenges are where the growth awaits

Change presents new challenges for us. But it seems that in Western society we value comfort and safety above all else. It is what we are programmed to yearn for and work towards. Then what happens when we have all the material comforts that our hearts desired? We’re bored, and usually on to buying the next new toy to cover our soul’s discontent.

Do not get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with achieving some comfort in life. I do not believe we are born for suffering and hardship. But, I would suggest that when we’ve achieved our comfort zone, it’s time to look for a new experience to challenge us. That’s where the growth of our souls exists.

Challenge v.s. comfort. It’s a razor’s edge, a double-edged sword.

This is a very good article from Lifehack about change, and why it’s actually good for us:
How the chaos in your life builds character

Inspirational Quotes:

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” ~ Helen Keller, The Open Door

“If the world were merely seductive, that would be easy. If it were merely challenging, that would be no problem. But I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes it hard to plan the day.” ~ E.B. White

“When we least expect it, life sets us a challenge to test our courage and willingness to change; at such a moment, there is no point in pretending that nothing has happened or in saying that we are not yet ready. The challenge will not wait. Life does not look back. A week is more than enough time for us to decide whether or not to accept our destiny.” ~ Paulo Coelho

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” ~ Martin Luther King Jr.

Double-edged | Your changes © Susan L Hart 2019 | Hart Haiku