Accept Change: Good, Bad, or What Just Is

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes

Life is full of changes. We face many different kinds of changes in our lives everyday. Sometimes these changes are good, and sometimes they’re bad. Some changes really hold no consequence to our lives. Possibly the thing in our lives that defines our character the most is in how we accept change. Do we let changes in our lives dictate our path, or do we face them head on and declare victory over them.

Change for the Better

Many changes that we experience can improve our lives. It could be a new job, a marriage, or the birth of a child. It doesn’t have to be a major life changing event. Even something as simple as your favorite restaurant chain opening a new location near your home can be a good change. Many changes in our lives have positive outcomes.

Change for the Worse

Changes come in our lives that are also detrimental. The death of a loved one, losing a job, or a natural disaster wiping out everything you own are devastating changes. And like with changes that are generally considered good, even small changes, like the Italian restaurant around the corner from your house closing down to make way for yet another fast food burger joint, can be seen as bad.

A Certain Point of View

To quote a wise Jedi Master:

Luke, you’re going to find that many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view.
— Obi-Wan Kenobi, Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi

Our perception of change is also dependent upon our point of view. A single teenage mother may not view the birth of her child as a great positive change as she now has a great responsibility to raise this child, possibly all on her own. Conversely, someone losing their job may see it as a blessing if it was a job that they were truly miserable in as it now gives them the opportunity for a much-needed career change.

Our outlook on life in general has the greatest effect on how we perceive change. Someone with a negative outlook will generally always see change as negative. By the same token, people with positive outlooks on life will see even the most challenging changes in life as opportunities. This isn’t to say that all change is dependent on your attitude. What I am trying to say is that with a positive outlook on life, the small changes don’t matter as much, and you will be better equipped to deal with the big changes.

Accept Change And Make The Best Of It

The most important character trait in life is the ability to accept change. If we don’t adapt to changes in our lives, we will fail in life. The biggest question is how do you handle change?

Teaser: Next time we’ll discuss why we find ourselves in certain relationships.