Preparing To Shift

When you think about the instances when some type of shift happens, there is a moment of pause that makes one reflect on what is about to transpire.  If we think about the shift in the weather, we get a notice of some sort that the elements are about to make some significant changes that may alter how we dress, commute or perhaps plan for travel.  Most of these things when they occur are a bit unexpected, until you realize there is no way to tailor Mother Nature's course and instead  of expecting the pattern to change, we are the one's that have to make the adjustments.  As I was thinking about all of this recently, I thought about our own ability to shift as well.  One of the other thoughts I had as I contemplated the word shift, was when I first learned to drive a car.  I fondly remember our old Plymouth Valiant, which had the gears on the steering column was the car that I learned how to drive in.  When I was young many vehicles had a standard transmission and learning to shift gears was part of the training that took place if you wanted to drive a car.  As I think about all of this in my current experience, I see how similar the motion of shifting can be to our regular lives.  When you shift a gear in a car there may be some immediate hesitance, because you have to find the right balance between the clutch and gas pedal, all the while keeping a firm hand on the gear shift.  It is a matter of multi-tasking while keeping your eyes on the road that when done properly, allows the vehicle to finally move forward in incremental speeds.  As I think about how this relates to life itself, I can certainly see some interesting similarities.  If we want to shift and do something different in our lives, we have to pause a moment and contemplate what that may ultimately mean to us.  There are always ramifications to any action and we have to be prepared to identify what most of those are, as our resolve helps us to make the full commitment of following through to any change.  Also similar to shifting gears in a car, the process may not go smoothly at first.  Especially as you get used to the cadence and rhythm of the gears going forward.  A shift of any capacity can cause an alteration that may be minimal for some, yet significant for others.  Interestingly, the process of how you react to all of this is determined by the conditioning you have undergone through out your life.  If you are expecting changes all the time and have made it part of your everyday existence, then it is expected when it happens and there are very little or no surprises.  However, resistant behavior to change can become an obstacle that can cause further consequences of a negative nature.  Rather than focusing on why change could be interpreted with a non-positive reaction, I say that you must condition your mind for this consistent expectation.  When I think about all of the shifting that can occur within the span of one year, I am almost in awe of the amount of items that I can count during the course of that twelve month experience that have altered a different course.  We can get very used to living in our own comfort bubble of sorts, where the status quo becomes the norm.  However, there tends to be a lack of vitality that can accompany this type of thinking.  I would rather live a life that is filled with possibilities that causes me to think about what new learning lies for me within the near horizon.  I am hopeful that this is also how others would strive to live as well.  Ultimately, we can be the type of people that struggle with life shifts on an ongoing basis, or we can learn to transition smoothly as we pick up speed.  The question is ultimately how do you wish to proceed with your life?  My desire in others would be that you choose to accept all changes with open arms, as they will ultimately allow you to grow and become more of the person that you are striving to be.  Remember to prepare your thinking for change as it being constant and the more comfortable you find yourself aligned with this thinking, the easier your future shifting will be.

Believe

As things are in full swing with the holiday season upon us, I have noticed a lot of clever ads that were designed to attract people with purchasing power to be able to spend their discretionary dollars at particular retailers.  Most have a heart warming ad that evokes the emotions associated with loved ones getting together for the holidays and celebrating the moment.  One particular campaign caught my eye with a simple one word written copy that stated, "Believe".  I thought this was clever as it covered a myriad of beliefs including all religions, without favoring any.  For myself, I liked the fact that there could be a unifying word that people could rally around and actually come together regardless of their beliefs, in order to spread goodwill and holiday cheer.  When I look around for other examples of how this can manifest itself, it becomes a bit more difficult to discern among the many commercialized aspects of our festive season.  I have seen people lose their spirit, while they are trying to exit a freeway near a mall that is jam packed with cars as far as the eye can see.  On a different occasion, there was the circling of cars looking for an open spot at a store and the determined looks on drivers illustrating how frustrating this side effect of a cheerful period can be.  All of which makes you wonder if our priorities are in the right place along with regard to why we believe that this period is so special. Conversely, there are many other joyful examples that have been shared that I have also witnessed which quickly make me change perspective.  In particular, with people that have their college children that were away at school and are making their way back home for an extended winter break.  For those with children of this age, I see how proud the parents are and how they beam with excitement as they welcome their children who appear to have matured and blossomed during their time away.  Again if you reflect on the word believe, then all of this can encompass your beliefs about life and how things come together at their appropriate time.  One of my favorite things to look forward to, is the traditions that we have fostered over the years as we recount how the past generations in our families laid the groundwork for how we celebrate today.  Whether it is the cooking of specific dishes, the decorating of our homes or the religious celebrations that we partake in through-out the season, they all add up to the experiences that have come to mean so much to us.  As we continue on with our list of to-do items and holiday preparations, I think it is important to reflect on why this period is so meaningful to all of us, while we also pause to remember the many individuals that are no longer here that formed the basis for many of our traditions.  Remember to share with your children or young relatives why you "believe" this season is so special along with your meaning for this complex word.  It is my hope that more people take a moment to stop and take this time in and be present.  Remember we are never guaranteed to live through another season and we must be thankful for all of the time that is now archived with our wonderful memories, rich traditions along with the faith in our beliefs for why this period is so special to all.