“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy
not on fighting the old, but on building the new.”
-Socrates
Change Means Changing
As human beings, we grapple with the notion of change every single day. We often focus more of our energy on the past, instead of the future. In this blog, we examine what “change” and “changing” mean, and how our thoughts and behaviors impact our experiences, as we enter the year 2023. Are you willing, open, and ready to make the changes you want to make in the coming year?
The origin of this idea that change means changing occurred in the ’70s. I was privileged to serve as Advertising Director for United Rent-All, a large franchise organization, founded in 1955. We rented everything from party goods to medical equipment. Moreover, being in charge of advertising, marketing, communication, and merchandising, I introduced my personal spiritual perspectives about life to the franchisees.
Our original logo, reflecting the 50’s, needed to be refreshed, revitalized, reinvigorated and modernized. It was up to me to direct their future look by changing our corporate image. That was a lot of responsibility. I needed to think about this process. How was I going to reach the hearts of our franchisees? I thought to myself, “change means changing,” which required taking action toward the change we wanted to make.
Putting Energy into the Future
When I initially met with the designers, I fell head over heels for the new, futuristic concept. We were one of the very first companies to make use of “pictograms” (only used by the Olympics up until then). Each department of our company had its own particular image. I came up with the campaign: “The Total Rental Department Store”.
Now, it was up to me to share our ideas and have our 250 franchisees love them too. Excited to share our new look, I knew it was beautiful, poignant, and so clear. I wrote an article to plant the seeds of change, then presented them with the new design. The article was called, “Change Means Changing” (surprised?). Being of a spiritual nature, I gulped and sent out the newsletter to all of our franchisees, hoping they would resonate with the notions of change.
Even though they had to invest money to change their stores locally, the futuristic design was a hit, and they were head over heels for the new look. They were willing to change!
My Dad and My Article
Unbeknownst to me, my dad kept that article, folded up in his pocket until the day he died, in 2011. I’ve looked several times for that article but haven’t been able to find it. I wondered what it is was I wrote that made my dad hold onto it all that time.
Today, when I ponder the title, “Change Means Changing”, I believe it conveys the message that when we accept change first, changing becomes a process of implementing the changes. I’m not saying change is easy, but it is inevitable.
Let’s face it, we all know that change is part of our evolution. Change can’t help itself. It’s just like time, we have no hold over change. No matter how hard we try we still can’t control time nor can we stop change from happening.
Billions of Changes Happen Daily
When my grandson was 5 years old, he posed the most thought-provoking question; “Nooni, if I break this clock (it was digital), will time stop?” So close to dropping off my chair, I exclaimed, “Oh my God, Jake, that is such a great question!” Astounded that he was so provocative at the tender age of 5, he said, “Well, will it?” Of course I answered, “No, baby. You can’t stop time no matter what you do, just like you can’t stop change.”
Did you know that approximately 330 billion cells are replaced daily as a result of the over 30 trillion cell changes that occur in the human body each day? What doesn’t change is our DNA. The hue of our eyes and most often, even the tone of our skin (unless we have Vitiligo) are two things that remain constant.
When we embrace change, we make room for something new and different to occur. I love Albert Einstein’s quote, “The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking.” Another confirmation that change means changing.
Holidays Remain the Same, but We Change
Let’s talk about the holidays for a moment. We all have rituals we want to hold onto and prefer not to change. Perhaps you too follow a festive custom that hasn’t changed for many years. That familiarity brings a sense of continuity to our lives.
Everyone looks forward to eating the same foods, enjoying the same traditions, and being with the same friends and family members, all gathering together at the same house. These kinds of experiences hold a particular place in our hearts. During these moments, we may even value our friends and family more. We might not want to make any changes to these experiences.
And then, life happens. Some of us experience the loss of our loved ones, broken families, and we don’t meet where we “always” did. Just look at what happened during Covid! Due to separation, death, or divorce, we no longer see the same friends and family. Life, as we know it, changes. It’s up to us to make the best of whatever “it is,” and find the common denominator that brings us together. Change doesn’t have to be “hard”, especially when we allow and know it’s all part of the deal in being human.
Value of Changing Our Attitude
One of the most precious common denominators I have found is LOVE. When we are conscious of bringing love into everything we do, WE change. WE see a visible difference in our attitudes and perspectives. After all, we’re the ones experiencing our lives.
Maya Angelou said, “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” It’s similar to what Oprah Winfrey said, “The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude.” That is oh, so true!
I am totally familiar with change. I think it’s become part of my DNA. Attending 17 different schools growing up, I was inevitably the “new girl” in every experience. I would say goodbye to my current best friends, feel sad, let go, and then make new best friends. Changing has been a natural part of my experiences since I was a child. And, thank God, I have been blessed with a positive outlook, which continues to help me throughout all these journeys into the unknown.
“3 BE’s”: BElieving, BEhaving, BEcoming
So, here we are, facing a brand-new year ahead. We are changing the calendar from 2022 to 2023. Can you believe it? Where the heck has the time gone? This pandemic cut a hole in time and made it seem to fly by like a speeding bullet. In 2023, what will you change? Do you have any resolutions for the New Year? Will you follow through with the changes you intend to make?
Keep in mind that you can change your routines and habits. By being conscious of your thoughts, beliefs, and your behavior, you can alter who you become. (I call those the “3 BE’s”: BElieving, BEhaving, BEcoming).
Since change is inescapable, you might as well take the initiative and lead the transformation you desire. Dive in and find out what limiting beliefs are running you. See how your beliefs impact your behavior. Discover why you are the way you are just from how you behave. Manage your energy and become the CEO (Chief Energy Officer) of your own life. You alone are accountable for your manner of action.
Connect with Your Loved Ones
Another change that is unavoidable is that we are not going to live forever. I know, I know. That’s a hard fact to digest. None of us is getting out of here alive. So, all the more reason to enjoy the holidays with love and appreciation for your families and friends NOW, rather than when it might be too late.
The holidays are a great time to connect with your loved ones. If you haven’t already, communicate with the precious people you want to speak with. Call them. Let them know how much you care about them. Shower them with love. Bring appreciation and gratitude into your experiences. You will see a big change in your life.
There are many things you can change in your life that are in your control. When you become conscious of those things, the path of life comes with more ease and grace. Here are 15 things that you can change. They all come from the inside out!
15 things You CAN Change
- You can focus on bringing love into everything you do.
- Result: Love embraces, enriches, and enhances all your life experiences.
- You can add a sense of humor, and do things for the “fun of it”.
- Result: You enjoy yourself more, and don’t strip the very joy out of your life by taking yourself too seriously.
- You can let go of your limiting beliefs of the past, live in the present, and allow for a brighter new future.
- Result: You are excited and open to unlimited possibilities.
- You can change your own thinking/beliefs/behaviors to become whom you want to be.
- Result: You live from the inside out, and become responsive, instead of reactive.
- You allow your authentic self to lead the way.
- Result: You build trust and live a deeper, happier, more fulfilling life from your heart.
- You can hold the space for others to be themselves, from one human being to another.
- Result: You are more open and accepting, more connected, and less judgmental.
- You can spread your wings and express your genius.
- Result: You are more confident, feel fantastic, and are in alignment with your gifts, talents, and skills.
- You can choose to live a yummy-delicious life.
- Result: You increase your joy factor, and feel better and better and better.
- You can appreciate those around you and tell them you love them.
- Result: The people you love feel loved up, and you feel loving.
- You can be reliable, accountable, and trustworthy.
- Result: You become impeccable with your word, and feel really, really good that people can rely on you.
- You can pause and sit in the quiet of stillness.
- Result: You feel centered, and focused, and are able to hear your soul’s whisperings to guide your life.
- You can take action on what your soul whispers to you, even if it scares you.
- Result: You feel proud of yourself and continue the trajectory towards what you want.
- You can appreciate everything you have in your life, and focus on what you are grateful for.
- Result: You feel content, gratified, with a sense of well-being.
- You can start off the day with a positive attitude, mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
- Result: You feel terrific and excited! Your emotions are elevated about all the unknown possibilities that await.
- You can forgive someone for hurting you.
- Result: You free yourself from holding a grudge, which is like taking poison and expecting the other person to die. You only end up hurting yourself.
Oh, there are so many more things we can change. The list is endless. It’s up to you to WANT to change those things about yourself that make you feel less than wonderful. Last but not least, here are 5 things you may not be able to change, but you can change the way you view them.
5 Things You May Not Be Able to Change, but You Can Change the Way You View Them
- You are not going to live forever. Make the best out of your life now.
- You can’t please everyone. Be your authentic self.
- You can’t change where you came from. Be proud of your heritage.
- You can’t change the past. Look for the gifts you’ve been given.
- You can’t get yesterday back. Make today better. Focus on what you want, rather than what you don’t want.
Here’s to 2023! A year of new changes!
I love numerology and am always conscious of numbers. When we add 2023 together, we get the number 7, which, in the Tarot, signifies change and causation. Isn’t that just perfect? The symbol is the Chariot. It is important to assess changes that will assist your growth in a nurturing, comforting, and supportive way.
There will be many opportunities ahead for us as we begin a new year! I hope you enjoyed this blog. I would love to hear what favorite AHA you are taking home with you. Please comment below.
Happy Holidays! Happy New Year to come! Happy Everything!
Much love, Shelley
It’s your life. Enjoy the journey. And remember to bring love into everything you do.
For more blogs and articles visit https://blog.shelleywhizin.com