Whether self imposed or unbidden, change can be unsettling, unnerving or just uncomfortable. For me it is all three. I don’t particularly like change. It’s funny, because when I was growing up, my father, on more than one occasion said to me that the only thing you can truly count on in life is change! I listened. I understood. But then I must have tossed it out the window. Why is it so difficult for me?
I like the security that comes with dependability. Then I don’t have to give anything a second thought. I had mastered my cell phone, my television remote. I knew my horse and she knew me. As it turns out, in the first six weeks of this year all of the above has changed. One unbidden, two elective. It’s been a bit of a whirlwind.
I’m sure to many of you I sound like a wimp – except for the horse part.But it is not about what the change is so much as it is about change in general. Humans are creatures of habit and apparently I embrace that quality with great fervor.
Losing my horse was a tragedy. The change part has come into play now, with the prospect of buying a new one. I used to tell Barbie that she had better live a long time because she would be my last horse. I could never imagine trusting another horse with my life, as I had come to trust her. It takes a while to reach that point with an equine partner. She and I had reached it and I couldn’t imagine getting on another horse and feeling as safe as I did on her. Now I am looking for my next horse and may have found her. The only thing that remains is the vet check. Once past that, the new relationship will begin. Getting on her back for the first time was frightening and uncomfortable. This was not Barbie. The second time (just yesterday) was better and even became enjoyable. She is a well mannered horse with a good mind.
To save money this year I switched from my long time cell phone provider to my husband’s. And then of course I wanted to upgrade my phone so I did. I stressed over being able to bring over the valuable contact info which turned out to be a simple task. I struggled mildly with the new functions. Now I pretty much know how to do the things that are important to me. New phone – conquered!
Again as a budgetary move we switched from satellite to cable TV. Lots of new stuff there. Again, not too difficult but we are still figuring things out. I wanted to make sure I could still record and see all the shows I like to watch.
But this is about change and how you cope with it. My father was right, change is something- one of the few somethings in life that you can count on. He said if you can learn how to deal with it (roll with the punches was how he put it) when life smacks you in the face, then you are that much further ahead of the game.
My husband is an anomaly, at least in my eyes. He loves change! Wow! How courageous is that! Moving to a new home 4 years ago, marrying me, changing jobs, creating new jobs – I could go on. I look at him with wonder and respect. I like my security. He goes out of his way to lose his!
Whether you are like me, and resist change at first, or like my husband and embrace it, the fact remains it is something we all have to deal with. You can resist it for as long as you want but eventually you have to accept it or go crazy trying to fight something that will not go away. Change is inevitable. The irony is that once the change has been around for awhile, it becomes familiar and no longer threatening. Soon my new horse will feel completely comfortable and safe. My cell phone will be easy to manipulate. I will be able to control my new TV remote with my eyes closed (well, maybe not). Just give it time. Strange new things become familiar, comfortable old things. That’s true for people, too.
Embrace the changes in your life. Some will be tougher than others but you will go on and soon even the tough ones will seem friendly. :))