The Courage To Change

 Autumn - crisp, cool nights and warming days; vibrant reds, yellows, orange, and rust; a hot cup of tea and a cozy fire; a good book and the call of Canadian geese. These are autumn changes, and they fill me with peace and joy. As Henry David Thoreau said, "Only that day dawns to which we are awake." Wake up and look around you. We are in the midst of change.

As I venture forth in Vermont during this time of year, I am amazed at the power of nature. It can heal, rest and rejuvenate, burst forth with new growth, and change colors. It is the circle of life. I ponder my process of life. What changes have I made, and do I have to courage to change some more?

Life is a journey to be enjoyed, and I will embark on a trip right now. Do you have the courage to come along? I hope so, and I hope this journey will be a catalyst of change for you and me.

The journey of change...   Let's park the car and get out and walk. The sun is bright and warming the day nicely. The air is fresh. Put on your hiking boots, as the ground is uneven and slick with the morning dew. Grab your backpack, and let's go!

Choosing a path...   Shall we go this way or that way? Shall we select our gallery or follow someone else's footsteps? You decide. Sometimes it is easier to travel down a trail blazed and well worn. Other times it is best to choose a new direction. Let's stop for a moment and think about what we are seeking. Do you want to climb the mountain and enjoy the autumn scenery above? Or, do you want to tread the valley along the meandering stream? Are you looking for peace and solitude, or do you need the company of fellow hikers? Do you have the courage to choose?

Enjoy the moments...   As we tread along, we are conscious of where we place our feet. The pathway is uneven with rocks and exposed roots that might trip us if we were not attentive. Periodically we need to stop to take in the view. We need to experience the harmony of nature around us. It is a simple pleasure to watch the chipmunks scurry among the rocks, lose their thoughts at the edge of a waterfall or breath in the pine grove scents.

Think for a moment about your own life and your side journeys along the way. Too often, we focus on placing our feet and fail to recognize the pleasant moments. Too often, we are spending a great deal of time taking care of all our stuff, successes, and choices from the past and forget to look around at life's treasures of the moment. Too often, we are going through each day doing things by rote without even thinking about why we are doing them. We keep repeating old habits, getting the same results. Too often, we fail to take the time to nourish our souls. Too often, we miss opportunities.

We would have missed the small flowers cascading over the ledges if we did not slow the pace. We would have missed the call of the birds high in the branches. We would have missed the brilliant autumn display. So what was the point of this journey? We need to remember that the process, not the destination, is essential. Do you have the courage to slow down?

The simple life...   As we journey along our chosen pathway, we begin to notice the tension deep within our bodies slowly dissipate. We relax and breathe profoundly, transferring oxygen into our cells. We feel a sense of peace, and our perception of our environment changes.

Think for a moment about your daily schedule, the rat race on the highways, the pressures of success. Feel your shoulders tightening, and your breathing become shallow? Now come back to our autumn journey and relax. Life is simpler here.

Our journey continues, and we travel through densely wooded areas. We are glad we took a few moments to put some items into our backpacks. Finally, it is time to pull out the sweatshirt. It provides shelter in the coolness of the forest.

We begin to notice light filtering through the trees a little farther along. Finally, we sit in a patch of sunlight, savoring the warmth. The sweatshirt is no longer needed. We reach into our backpack for water and a nourishing snack. We packed well. We have what we need; we need what we have.

A journey of choices and changes...   As we walk along harmoniously with nature, I would like to pose another question for you to ponder. What choices and changes could you make that would free you from anxiety. Pick just one and try it out. Do not rush the process. Take it one step at a time.

When I am working with clients who have the massive goal of organizing their whole life, the first step is to understand that a tiny change yields enormous benefits. After all, the leaves start to change gradually in the autumn - a spot of red here and there, a blend of yellow and orange amongst the green. Nature teaches us that gradual changes are the easiest to bear. So, do you have the courage to make small changes?

Our autumn journey has come to an end. Your journey has just begun. Here are a few thoughts to take along with you.

1. Take a friend along ~ It is much easier to share the burdens and more fun to share the joys. The beauty of a rainbow is more spectacular when someone shares it with us.

2. Organize your supplies ~ If the sun is shining, you may not need the umbrella. But do remember to take the sweatshirt, water, and nourishment. It is critical to provide for your physical, emotional, and mental needs.   

3. Vary the pace ~ There is a time to hurry along and slow down. Knowing when to stop is as important as when to begin.

4. Take along a map or ask for directions ~ You do not want to tackle an unknown trail without guidance. Seek out tips on how to make your journey lighter and easier going.

5. Change gradually ~ Over the years, we have accumulated a lot of stuff. Let go of one or two things at a time until you reach a manageable place.

6. Take a rest ~ Brief resting along the journey will recharge your battery and allow you to enjoy the immediate environment. While you are resting, contemplate what your life is all about. Gaze inward, for that is where all the answers lie.

7. Choose the simple life ~ Simple living is simply finding and keeping adequate space and time for yourself, for those you love, for the place you live, and for the work you do.

8. Pack wisely ~ Do you have all you need? Do you need all you have?

9. Keep your heart light ~ Learn the value of laughter. It makes a world of difference.

10. Do you have the courage to change?