Embracing Change
My mother, a huge fan of Deepak Chopra, called me on New Year’s Day several years ago in a state of great tumult. In a newspaper column, several celebrities were asked what they wished for their children in the upcoming year. Mr. Chopra replied that he hoped his kids would live in “a state of constant uncertainty.”
Being raised in a generation where security was the ultimate goal, my mother was offended and hurt by how a man who inspired and uplifted her so much could wish such horrifying turmoil on his own offspring. Being so upset, she didn’t finish the article, instead feeling it more important to call me and vent her disappointment.
“Mom,” I said, “Finish reading it and then call me back.”
A short while later the phone rang; a much-subdued Ruth Marcus was now on the other end. Soothed by what she found, she told me, “He said, ‘in the state of uncertainty, all things are possible.’ He wants his kids to have every possibility within their reach. I guess we aren’t that different.”
It is indeed an irony that the more we think we know; the fewer options can be available to us. As we become more “sure” of our ways, we lock out options that we are equally “sure” do not work. We narrow our opportunities -- we do not expand them -- by following the path where we feel most comfortable. Simply because something has worked (or has not) in the past, is not an indicator it always will.
As the New Year dawns, this is as good a time as any to reflect on where we are. Do you repeat the same behaviors time and again, hoping this time “things will be different?” Do you resist trying a different tact, taking a new path, developing a new relationship, instead crying loudly the mantra, “But I’ve always done it this way!”
Change is empowering. And yes, it can be frightening. When the world is charging at you fast and furious and it feels like no matter which option you take, you can’t catch a patch of blue sky, there are people who are available for support. Even better, in those bright and sunny moments, when you’re riding a tidal wave of success, remember to share the excitement and let someone slap you on the back.
May each of us find and share Peace in 2007.
About the author: Scott "Q" Marcus is a THINspirational speaker and author. Since losing 70 pounds 12 years ago, he conducts speeches, workshops, and presentations throughout the country. More of his writing can be found at scottq.blogspot.com. His book is available at www.TheEatingCycle.com and he can be reached at scottq@scottqmarcus.com or 707.442.6243.