Change is the Only Constant

My friend Jeff broached an interesting question today: “Let's talk about change; it happens every day. Some people welcome it, while others try to keep it from happening with every fiber of their being.  Therefore, the question today is, change, is it good or bad?”

Change.  Some people abhor this word.  To them maybe it means that they must leave their cozy comfort zone, finally leave behind their security blankets.   Maybe to some people it means unnecessary work.  I, however, believe in change.  As humans, we are a historically evolutionary, revolutionary, ever-changing society of beings.  Being able to adapt to our fluctuating environment is one of the reasons why Homo sapiens continue to dominate (sometimes not in good ways) the species of this earth. 

And yet, change is not just about evolution and adaptation, processes which happen over hundreds or thousands of years.  Change can be as small as using skim milk in your coffee instead of half and half.  Sure, at first you wonder how you will ever be able to drink that cup.  But then the change begins to grow on you, and you realize that you are saving loads of calories each day.  And then more changes come when you can fit into your skinny jeans again. On the other hand, change can be something large and important, like beginning a new career, or going back to work after being a stay-at-home mom for four years.  You are a little frightened about the change, and you question your abilities and your choices.  You fear how it will affect you, your children, and your family.  But you also wait in anticipation for the call.  Even though there is uncertainness, you are ready to take the plunge and see what happens.  It could be great, it could be bad, but how do you know if you don’t jump? 

Change propels civilization, and without it, societies would not exist.  They thrive on revolution and transformation.  Our country was built on these ideas, notions of freedom and independence, beliefs of unity and commonality, and the desperate need for individuality and sovereignty.  The forefathers (and mothers) of this country fought for change, and through their sacrifices and diligent determination, they achieved what they set out to do.  They persevered through ridicule, persecution, prosecution, imprisonment, and execution, for that one word…change.  It is a powerful, awe-inspiring word.  There are revolutions being fought all over the world at this very moment; some with weapons, some with words and protests, and some with silence, all in the name of change.

In the end, change always wins the battle, whether you accept the outcome or not.  If you can embrace change without fear, you’ve already won.  But as humans, we always question our status quo to ensure our prosperity.  It is okay to question with trepidation.  It prevents us from being reckless and irresponsible (hopefully), and guarantees our triumph over natural selection.

“There is nothing wrong with change, if it is in the right direction.” ---Winston Churchill

“Change is the essence of life.  Be willing to surrender what you are for what you could become.”--Unknown

Through My Son's Eyes

Christmas is that special time of year where we are able to live through our children.  We make the necessary preparations to welcome Santa into our house.  We make special cookies and notes for him, and we open the flue to the chimney so that he can slide down with ease.  We laugh out loud when little boys and girls turn on the inflatable snow globe and boogey down to the music.  For a couple of days a year, we are able to believe in the magic of Christmas, and hear the bells on Santa’s sleigh.  I know that some of today’s “new-age” parents don’t believe in telling kids the story of Santa Clause and his multinational corporation located at the North Pole.  Why?  Why can’t we just let kids be kids?  Today’s young generation is already being robbed of their imaginations through cell phones and video games.  Why take away the glorious story of Santa and his elfin unions who make toys for all the boys and girls of the world?  Do you really think it is going to do that much harm to your kids if you tell them this one lie?  Kids are growing up way to fast these days, and I want my children to hold onto their childhoods as long as possible.  There still will be plenty of time to grow up.

Unfortunately, kids do grow up so fast.  One of my children is thirteen and had given up on the idea of Santa Clause a few years back.  However, I think secretly she’s grateful for the fact that she’s the big sister, and that she still gets to pretend that Santa is real.  She participates in making the cookie plate and glass of milk for Santa.  She still makes out her Santa list and helps my son with his.  She enjoys the stories and seeing her little brother’s eyes widen with excitement on Christmas morning when he sees all of the presents under the tree.  The two of them anticipate with glee when the wee waking hours of the morning shine through their windows and they get to gang up on Mom and Dad, innocently sleeping after a full night of present prep.  Unbeknownst to them, however, Mommy and Daddy are usually feigning sleep because they are too excited also.  The excitement in our house is contagious, and it usually affects any living being a two acre radius, including the dog, who proceeds to break into the presents before anyone else has a chance.

Through my son’s eyes, we enjoy the Christmas season and all its splendor.  On Christmas Eve, we will welcome Santa into our house and oblige him to eat his fill of cookies and milk.  He will fill the stockings and pile the presents under the tree.  He will be careful not to wake a little boy who decides to camp out in his doorway so to catch a glimpse of Santa.  He will cover him gently and pat his head, instilling sweet dreams of toys and wrapping paper in his sleeping mind.  If we remember to listen carefully, we’ll be able to hear the bells on his sleigh as the reindeer leap into the cold night air to visit the next house who will hopefully welcome them as we have, with open hearts.