"The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old,
but on building the new."
- Socrates
What might happen if we transformed the way we view change? Rather than fearing change, what if we were to approach it as an opportunity for new insight and growth - what then?
One of my favorite places to be is at the beach, with the ocean as the backdrop. There is something so soothing about the sound of the waves and the incredible views. I love that as the tides change, so too does the appearance of the beach, if only in subtle ways.
Nature creates change on a daily basis. It occurs so effortlessly that the change in itself becomes soothing.
My sons have taken to collecting beach glass, so we enjoy a lot of time by the ocean. We search the shoreline for any size, shape, and color of worn and weathered glass. Through their eyes, anything we find is a treasure worthy of adding to the collection. They view the changing tides as a gift because with each new tide comes an opportunity to discover more beach glass that may have washed up on the shore.
Throughout my life, I have often resisted change because it can be scary and uncomfortable. Sure, certain kinds of change can be intriguing, but despite the allure it can still prove unnerving. Hanging on to the familiar often seems like the easier alternative.
The ocean and its tides are a wonderful metaphor for change that may help us view it in a more favorable light. Each time the tides change, a new landscape is revealed. Within this new landscape are treasures and beauty that wouldn't have been visible without the transformation.
When we view change as a catalyst for new, exciting opportunities, we move our energy from fighting change to embracing it. From this viewpoint, life becomes more fluid and inspiring.
Sometimes we can push for change to happen too quickly because we want to relieve the discomfort of sitting in the unknown. One way to ease our discomfort is to lean in and embrace being uncomfortable. We can give ourselves permission to be gentle and kind with ourselves as we move through change.
If we choose to, we can savor the process and transform how we view the ripples in our lives. We can adopt the mindset of a young child eager to discover the treasures brought about by change.
It is amazing what we can create in our lives when we resist the urge to fight change, and instead focus on the good that can come from it. It is empowering to let go of what no longer serves us to make room for the treasures within transformation.
How might you lean into the changing tides in your life?
This article was adapted from Emily Madill's book, 'Fall in Love With Your Life, One Week at a Time'.
I am so excited and honored to share that my book, 'Fall in Love With Your Life, One Week at a Time' won a bronze medal in The Living Now Book Awards in the personal growth & self-help category. The purpose of the Living Now Book Awards is to celebrate the innovation and creativity of books that enhance the quality of life, from cooking and gardening to spirituality and wellness. The awards are open to all books written in English and appropriate for the North American market.
In honour of the award, I want to offer 50% off my 52 week e-course 'Fall In Love With Your Life, One Week at a Time'.
OFFER EXPIRES September 22, 2016 at midnight. Don't miss out on this opportunity to receive 52 weeks of inspiration and material to create a lasting practice of loving life and creating a deeper sense of connection and peace with yourself.
Your instructions to redeem this limited time offer: Go to Emily's school 1) sign up for the school and then 2) go to the Fall in Love With Your Life Course, 52 week program. And click on the Button, {enroll in course for $129} and enter this the coupon code to redeem your 50% off the course enrollment fee: HALFOFF
Emily Madill is the author of 11 books in the area of self-development and empowerment, both for children and adults. Her newest title 'Fall in Love with Your Life, One Week at a Time' is now being offered as an E-Course.
Sign Up to receive Emily's free weekly newsletter from her blog, Listening When the Soul Speaks, and receive a free copy of her E-Book, Reflections, a compilation of articles Emily shares on her journey to reaching her dreams.