The thing that most often stunts our growth is the fear of change.
Daniel R. Venables distills shifting gears best. “People change when the pain of staying the same becomes greater than the pain of changing.”
The great American Philosopher, William James wrote, “To change one’s life: 1. Start immediately. 2. Do it flamboyantly. 3. No exceptions.”
Flamboyant change requires more courage than many of us may have. Libba Bray, in her book The Sweet Far Thing notes that change happens with, “One gesture. One person. One moment at a time.”
Often, it’s a process of baby steps. Place one foot ahead of the other. Repeat. In time you can travel great distances.
Lau Tzu’s wisdom has remained relevant across the sands of time. “Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.”
I would add, gently adjust your sails to take advantage of the prevailing winds. Follow your course, but don’t be afraid to visit some unexpected islands along the way. Destinations help us focus our energy. But the joy reveals itself in the journey.
