Change

Change: "to make the form, nature, content, future course, etc., of something different from what it is or from what it would be if left alone."

There are several more definitions for the word "change" available, but I think I like this one best. It is simple and to the point, and speaks of change in a universal fashion. Change is just that ... making a thing or situation different.

So, if change is so simple, why do so many of us cringe when we hear the word? Why are we sometimes opposed to change? Why can't we simply accept change and move on?

I think many people are afraid of change. Change takes us from the known to the unknown -- and that's a scary place to be. It brings us to a crossroads and sometimes makes us choose the right path.

But what about change that is forced upon us? Or change that comes about because we simply have no other choice? I believe these are the hardest changes to accept.

When we make choices on our own that include change, at least we maintain some control over the consequences of those changes. When change is forced upon us, however, it's another thing entirely. When the change or changes have the power to "make the ... future course" of our lives different than what we expected or set out to accomplish, it leaves us feeling powerless, as if we have no control over our own lives.

But I have always taught that change is inevitable; that change is the only constant; that ruts are simply nothing more than graves with the ends kicked out. And I firmly believe that fossils are nothing more than living organisms that steadfastly refused to change.

So, though we do not have to welcome change -- we accept change as just another part of life and try to make the necessary adjustments, for our own sanity if for no other reason.

In light of the society we live in, and the current political and economic climate, I would wager a guess that we will see many changes coming our way in the near future. Many of these changes will be forced upon us by those in leadership across the nation and around the world.

My advice: Keep your eyes open and find ways to adapt. If we can do that -- we may be able to keep from becoming fossils.