We recently shared on Instagram some life roadblocks we encountered and how they were weighing on us. We began thinking about making some changes in our schedule to help eliminate those roadblocks. However, this got us to thinking about how sometimes change can be incredibly difficult. It seems strange how some changes can be so wonderfully positive and yet we still struggle. Why is change so hard?
Well to begin with, we think that we all become creatures of habit. You get into your routine and plug along each day and make the best of any situation that may arise. For us, we are happy with our current position and do not feel like life is monotonous whatsoever. Yet we keep a similar schedule from day to day, week to week and generally year to year. Simplicity at its best!
As you know, we recently conquered a big change…moving into a new home. Correction…it was a HUGE change! We had both lived in our old home for quite some time (actually, it was Dave’s childhood home – so he lived there much longer than Carolyn). Yet, as stressful as everything was; i.e. building a new home, selling the old home, the realtors, the lawyers, the builders/contractors, the movers, etc…we were so intoxicated about the newness of everything that it really rolled right off our backs. It was such a happy change that it was easy for us to go with the flow.
Now that we have been in our new home for two years, we discovered some things were no longer a proper fit for us any longer. When we had first looked for a new house, we had our list of must haves just like anyone else would. Not only did our list include what we wanted in our new home, we also wanted to stay in the same area so that we could keep as many of the amenities that we were accustomed to. First and foremost, we wanted to be sure to be reasonably close to our business. Secondly, was our doctor and dentist offices and our fur-baby’s veterinarian. Lastly, staying close to the things we enjoyed like the pilates studio, barber shop, nail salon, spa, etc…
We felt quite successful meeting all of our criteria until the past few months. Suddenly some of those places began to feel like they were becoming harder to enjoy and unnecessarily stressful. When we realized that they were no longer holding the same joy they once did, we began to search places that we were now closer to for other options. And boy did that feel terrible.
Change suddenly became a little scary.
It was then that we really looked at what was scary and why. There was nothing negative regarding the changes we were making. And then it dawned us…it was the unfamiliar. We had became comfortable. We were so comfortable with these places and we were now entering a space that didn’t have that same familiarity. Yet when we went to these new places, not only were they closer to home, we were greeted with kindness. David Bowie sang it perfectly, “Turn and face the strange”. There was no reason for our feeling of uncertainty. Yes it was new and strange, but is that really so bad?
We are now a couple of weeks into our new schedule and finding a new comfort zone with our new facilities. And looking back at how uncomfortable and agonizing making these decisions had been, to be honest we feel a little silly. Change should be a positive. We should all strive to continuously improve not only ourselves, our lives, our ambitions, our dreams and our goals. We should conquer our fears. We should always look for the best possible outcome no matter whatever the situation may be.
Here’s to us all changing and flourishing!!!
D & C
Mt. Esty Manor 