Embracing Change

It was 1972. I was 11 when I first got to listen to this evergreen hit. The Bee Gees were at the top of the charts the first time around. I didn’t understand the lyrics of the song then. Probably took it for granted too. Today, it brings back those sweet memories of childhood and excruciatingly reminds me of the fleeting nature of youth.

A few years later, there I was, standing on the neighbourhood football field and thinking to myself - here I am, 19, feeling young, full of potential, with the whole world at my feet. The sky was a magnificent cloudless blue. Anything seemed possible - the sheer exuberance of youth!

In the blink of an eye, half a century has passed, I am no longer young, and the vibrant energy has largely dissipated try as I do to delay it. Time, as sure as it is, passes swiftly, and waits for no one.

Over the last weekend, I witnessed the contrasting cycles of life - a wedding and a funeral. The beginning and the end. At the wedding, I was glad to bump into the usual culprits from childhood, the bonds still tightly bound, the tom foolery, misadventures, and the reminiscences of the time when we were fab.

My uncle’s funeral though, was the other end of the spectrum. The sense of loss and grappling with its ramifications. I met family and relatives, prompting a flood of memories - both pleasant and challenging - from days long gone. The stark inevitability of mortal life. That everything has an end. I couldn’t help feeling it was another 1st of May of sorts.

Which leads me to this week’s post.

Time is the most valuable thing a man can spend. There is a beginning and and end to everything. In between though, there is a brief number of years. If you look at a tombstone, there is a dash between the birth and death dates. That dash is the period of time we have to live, explore, build, fly.

Over the years, opportunities did present themselves - a chance to explore new horizons, pursue further education, secure employment, form meaningful relationships, youth ministry, getting married, raising a family, learning new skills, start writing, and etc.

I had seized some of those opportunities. Others I had let slip away, inadvertently. Some were unjustly taken from me maybe, and some were simply not granted. Life.

We know that over the past 50 years, the world as we know it has undergone significant transformations, and our lives have evolved alongside it. Change is the only constant in our lives. “I am waiting for the right time”, some say. But in reality, there is no "perfect" moment to take action. The time is always right to do what is right.

Even now as I write, opportunities emerge. They might not be immediately recognizable though. They can come disguised as the unwelcomed changes in the workplace, those new commitments that we keep putting off, relationship challenges, or shifts in mindset that require adjustments to plans already in progress.

The key question is - Am I actively aware of these possibilities now?

"To change often is to be perfect" is a quote by the artist and writer John Ruskin. It suggests that perfection is not a static state, but rather a continuous process of adaptation and improvement. By constantly changing and evolving, we can strive towards achieving our best selves.

As usual, if you are ready, follow these 3 Steps to get to where you want to go from here:

 a) Building Resilience - Bouncing Back Stronger

Resilience is the ability to adapt and bounce back from adversity. Cultivating resilience enables you to navigate life's challenges with grace and
determination.

Practice self-care, mindfulness, and develop a support network to bolster your resilience. By strengthening your ability to overcome setbacks, you can maintain focus, motivation, and continue progressing on your self development journey.

b) Embracing Change - Embracing Growth Opportunities

Change is a constant in life, and embracing it is a vital aspect of self- development. Step out of your comfort zone and embrace new experiences, as they offer unique opportunities for growth.

By welcoming change, you cultivate adaptability, gain new perspectives, and open doors to exciting possibilities.

Les Brown is a motivational speaker, author, radio DJ, and former politician. He is known for his inspiring speeches and seminars that focus on personal development, leadership, and achieving success in life.

Les is my number 1 go to man for inspiration. Watch his videos for inspiration whenever you need that shot in the arm. You will see what I mean.

Here’s to a fulfilling week.

You have greatness within you!

Till next time,

Jude