By Mehr Lokhandwala
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Change presents itself in all aspects of our lives. It can come in changes in our work, school, relationships, personal lives, or the wider world. We all get used to the normalcy of things and when our lives get disrupted by change it can be scary and frustrating. However, it can also be peaceful, liberating, and a moment of clarity.
I think it is fair to say that most of us spend a good chunk of our time avoiding change. I, myself, am guilty of this. However, like most things in life, change will inevitably catch up to us. It is scary to think that what you deem a normal part of your life may, one day, no longer serve you. Change is scary because we no longer have control and no one likes feeling powerless. As humans, we want control since it helps us feel safe. When we sense that we have control, we feel that we can control the outcomes and events in our lives. Losing control can be quite a scary and helpless feeling. Thus, it is understandable that many of us are not fond of change.
Just like the seasons change from winter to spring to summer to fall, we too will change. Our lives have seasons; some are better than others, however, each season must pass in order for the next to come. For example, in spring flowers start to bud, trees start to get covered in leaves and animals come out of hibernating. This means that in summer, we have lovely flowers to look at, trees that we can sit underneath for shade, and we can see and play with animals. This would not be possible without spring.
We have to allow ourselves to move forward in life as we accept change. This pushes open so many new doors and presents us with opportunities. Change enlightens us about ourselves as we learn about our own strengths, limitations, and vulnerabilities among other things. I also want to note that personal change can be very painful. However, I think that personal change is one of the most beautiful types of change. It is actually quite alluring to think about - we are ever-growing, always blossoming, and always learning. Sometimes change is small, however, small steps are still steps.
If you look back five, ten, or even fifteen years, you are not the same person you were then - that is because of change. Your appearance may have changed, the people you surround yourself with may have changed, and your goals may have changed. In a way, without change, we would be living such boring lives.
Whilst change can bring about new lifestyles, I want to take a moment to acknowledge that along with change comes grief. Grief for the lives we used to live, the people we used to be, and the people who are no longer in our lives. It is more than okay to take time to sit with these feelings and acknowledge them.
In her novel, Parable of the Sower, Octavia E. Butler writes, “All that you touch you Change. All that you Change changes you. The only lasting truth is Change”. Change is the only constant in life and as daunting as that is, it also makes me grateful for each moment life presents itself with.
Written by writer Mehr Lokhandwala
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