Why do we resist change so much? Is it out of fear? fear of what? Is it because the devil you know is better than the one you don't? Or is it just because change can mean a lot of work, or that hearts are on the line. Change can be disruptive. Maybe we don't want to deal with it because we don't have time. I smile when I write that, because all we have is time!!!!
I think that I do a good job at embracing changes in my life. I am not afraid of leaving jobs for new ones, taking the risk of opening my own business, getting divorced (I'm only doing that once by the way), or changing my hair style or color. Actually, it surpises me how many people really worry about their hair! Before I moved to the White Mountains in 1998 I was running the Dover Pools. I was young, had a great salary and benefits, loved what I did and I actually drove to the mountains every week to ski or hike. When my best friend got a teaching job at Kennett, he said I should just move with him.
How the hell was I going to do that? I didn't have a job lined up and had never been to North Conway other than to get a tattoo years ago. That was an epic adventure in itself but I'll save that for another time. As much fun as the thought of living where I played was intriguing, it didn't really seem like an option. Until I got my annual performance review. I had glowing remarks and comments except for one. Sometimes I was inaccessible because I was in the pool. Um, I was running a POOL and teaching lifeguards, swim instructors, water aerobics and supervising a lot of people. There was really no way to bring a phone in there with me. So I knew right then what I was going to do.
First, I called the manager out on the fact that the town had instituted a cap on what percent raise we could get, so he found a flaw to justify the lower number. And then I said, "You know what? I think I quit." He was STUNNED. He told me that absolutely wasn't what he wanted me to do, but then I had this huge shit eating grin on my face because in that instant I got EXCITED to move! Now here's the cool thing about this life. A lot of times, if you jump a net will appear.
So I called Cranmore Fitness Center in North conway to see if they needed any swim instructors or personal trainers. Turns out they did, but they were also hiring a program supervisor. I jokingly told them to sign me up and I interviewed and got the job a week later. With benefits. That is unheard of in the Valley! I jumped, I landed exactly where I was meant to be. And I did it without fear. Fear only would have blocked me and messed things up.
I tell you this to get you thinking about your life. What areas feel great? What doesn't? Why haven't you made changes to make it better? What emotion is holding the reigns? What does it look like for you to be happy? How bad do you want it? Because if you don't really care, then status quo may be perfect for you. Or maybe you really are lovin' life! To those of you who are I say high five and tell the world how good it is! Maybe you'll inpire someone else to jump.
Sara
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