Some changes in our lives are out of our control for instance the death of a loved one or losing a job. Some are in our control such as a career change, introducing a healthy habit or releasing an unhealthy pattern in your life.
As I reflect on my life I see it as a book, as I make changes I move from one chapter to the next. Transitioning from the past to the present with chapters to come representing the future. Letting go of the past is not always easy. There may be some feelings of loss or sadness, then there's the excitement of the adventure of a new beginning.
The most important aspect of change in my life is my personal development, the person I am becoming.
Change usually encompasses the following steps:
Awareness that something needs to change-Take an honest inventory of your life & situation.
Acceptance-Take 100% responsibility for making a change.
Aim-Determine where you really want to be headed and take aim at your target. Set goals.
Assistance/Ask for help-Asking for help can be your greatest strength.
Take Action-To know and not to do is not to know.
Accountability-Taking ownership of results.
Achievement/Change-Achieve to Succeed.
Thirty years ago I made a major change, I moved from Connecticut to Rhode Island. I didn't know anyone there and it was a little scary but exciting at the same time. It turned out to be a real blessing. It created a blank slate, a new beginning, to create the life I dreamed about free from the baggage of my past. I developed new friendships, a new community and was living in an absolutely beautiful place near the ocean. I also met my wife Jude during that time, and she moved from Brooklyn New York to Rhode Island in 2006.
The last couple years we've been getting the sense that our chapter in Rhode Island was coming to an end so we made a decision to relocate. We finally asked ourselves “what are we waiting for, time is short, life is short.”
I believe it’s important to listen to your heart and intuition when making decisions, even though the change you're being called to make may be difficult. I have some sadness about leaving Rhode Island. I have fond memories and have made deep connections. I have to say goodbye to some great people. I can’t let that inhibit me though so off we go. We're going to explore mountain living in Western North Carolina. We’re looking forward to this great adventure in a completely different landscape. I'll always be grateful for my time in Rhode Island but for now it's time to say goodbye..