Vicissitude

"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."
                                                                    ─Lao Tzu


       As time goes on, we settle into a routine that can be hard to get out of.  We are often resistant to change things up in our lives, and sometimes, we don't realize that change is constant.  We get so used to living our day to day lives the same way, not knowing that change is happening all around us, whether or not we want it to.  Change, contrary to popular belief, can positively impact not only our own lives, but those around us.

      The thing about making changes is this:  it's hard.  It's really hard to get used something new and unexplored.  Change can come naturally, or you can take the initiative to do it yourself, subsequently making it easier to adapt.  We are always so hesitant to open ourselves up to new things because we won't know the outcome.  Everyone prefers staying in their own comfort zones, and sticking to what they know.  While there are some who see mostly negatives when it comes to change, I like to think that by changing things up, life just gets more interesting.

       I didn't use to like when things became different and new to me; I didn't use to like change, but then I committed to trying something new.  I learned to not be scared of new things and to always think of the positives rather than just saying 'no.'  Even just a little bit of change to your routine or life, in general, can positively benefit you. Treat change as a welcome house guest, and be open to new things.  If we can change our perspective around change, then we begin to expand our opportunities.  Without change, there can be no excitement, adventure, or passion.  In my opinion, there can be a lot of benefits when it comes to change, so I thought I could share some with you in hopes that you can see the positives rather than the negatives.  



       1. Personal Growth:  When something changes in your life─ by spontaneity or your own initiative─can help you grow and learn new insights about yourself.  By incorporating some form of improvement or change, new lessons can be learned about where you want to go in life, rather than where you were before.

       2.  New Opportunities:  By being open to change, even in a small way, opportunities can present themselves that can have a domino effect.  This can provide more options that you didn't have before.  Changes can bring new choices for happiness and fulfillment.  By allowing yourself to seek out new opportunities, you have the chance to meet new people and step outside of your comfort zone.

       3.  Open-Mindedness:  If you are a person who is hesitant to try new things and stick to what you know, change can be a way to see life from another perspective.  It can open your mind to new values and beliefs.  Change can help you re-evaluate situations you were unsure of, and can offer new results that you couldn't see before.  Change your routine, or your habits, and find different ways to see the other side of the coin.  By opening up to change, you are opening your mind to see your world differently.

       4.  Adventure:  Most of us have a daily routine that we have stuck with for as long as we can remember.  But sometimes, our routines can stick us in a rut.  Change can help you shake up your routine and keep your day to day life more exciting.  Change can open you up to 'winging it' and going on a random adventure.  Incorporating change can keep your life exciting and can help you with spur of the moment choices.  Make the initiative to make change in your life and you'll find your adventure.

       5.  Flexibility:  Frequent changes can make you easily adapt to new situations, new environments, and new people.  By embracing it and meeting it head on, you can learn to not stick to your routine, which can help you maintain a positive attitude.  Flexibility can help you to face new situations in full confidence, rather than shying away from new experiences.