By Angel Carlton
We embrace “opportunities” but reject change. Change is merely an opportunity we have yet to discover. Change is simply our higher self, reminding us to live our magnificence to create a life of significance. To fully embrace this truth, it’s helpful to first understand the reason behind why things change in our lives and the struggles we have to endure. Let us become aware of how is change generated in our lives so that we may learn to embrace its meaning and take from it the lessons of love change delivers.
The first step toward embracing change is changing your perspective toward it. Change, simply put, is to alter, modify, or make to become different. We know change is happening in the world, in our lives, and in the lives of everyone around us. But how well are we coping with these changes? Just take a look at the news, the violence, stress and anger all around us, locally and globally. According to a study conducted by Forbes, 45% of society is living under “extreme stress”! That’s nearly half of your circle of friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors who are on the brink of a breakdown. Surely this is an indication we desperately need a way to adapt to our changing world—and sooner than later! It’s time we begin to see these changes as opportunities to gain a better understanding, learn from them and utilize the lessons so that we become a better and stronger society. Let us no longer look at ourselves as victims in an increasingly destructive world, often with a sense of helplessness. Instead, let us stand up, be strong, and move forward as a driver of change, a generator of positivity, in hopes of changing the focus on the lens of which we view the world.
What generates change?
Understanding how that change is generated will help you get to the core of what the purpose, lesson, or gift each change or circumstance delivers. There are three categories to best describe how change occurs within our lives: from Happenstance, through Intention, or by Default. Recognizing which category each one falls into is the primary key to embarking on the path to positive change.
The first generator of change, Happenstance, is when change just seems to happen, be it negative or positive. Some people grow and evolve without even being aware of the changes that are causing the growth. Some of them seem to have the “Midas touch,” where everything they touch turns to gold; they flow through life, usually the happy-go-lucky types that have a positive attitude about everything. Then there are some people who seem to have “bad luck”— those whom simply can’t buy a break and forever find themselves in a rut. So while we are all creating our own experiences, some people know it and others walk through life completely clueless about this amazing power we all possess.
The next group contains those who change with deliberate Intention. They are determined to seek ways to improve their lives and strive daily for a more fulfilled life. These are the individuals who have realized there is more to life than going to work, making money, sleeping, and eating. These folks realize there is a greater vision, and as a result of change they’ve had a glimpse of life’s truer purpose many times through the eyes of change. This glimpse has sometimes been referred to as a “spiritual awakening.” When this occurs, it’s like the healthiest obsession one could possibly imagine. Everything in life becomes a quest to conquer more of that same feeling of clarity, truth, and meaning.
Finally, change is generated by Default. These people usually have an unexpected experience or traumatic event that forces them to wake up and see life through different lenses. They grow because they have to. For example, the death of a loved one will often force people into a life change. It’s understandably not a pleasant experience, but those who discover a healthy coping mechanism will move through these unhappy times and emotionally be stronger on the other side.
These are what promotes change in our lives…Happenstance, Intention, Default and when we Embrace change, (HIDE is the acronym) life truly does become an adventure. There really is no reason to “hide” behind change any longer. Change is what gives us the ultimate human experience. Become a master of change and your life will become a masterpiece.
Angel Carlton is the Author of Staying Afloat During Tides of Change, the Founder of Power Up People! (PowerUpPeople.net), Public Speaker and a Transformation Facilitator for individuals, companies and organizations.
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