“Historic” Download Day

Today the first African-American will be inaugurated as the President of the United States.  Whether you agree with or voted for Barack Obama or not, one thing that all can agree on is the fact that today is a historic day.

I agree that changes in our country need to be made – not necessarily the changes that have been talked about, but changes need to be made.  Is this the guy to do it?  That remains to be seen. But I love the idea that “embracing change” is one that has swept the country.  So, in honor of this historic day, that is what our download is all about.

Think of changes in our own lives.  I believe that our ability to be adaptable and open to new ideas or ways of doing things is vital to our happiness.  What do we do when things don’t go our way or when obstacles arise in our paths?  What do we do when the actions of another or circumstances beyond our control cause us to have to change direction?  What do we do when the ups and downs of life create the need to reevaluate what we are doing, where we are headed and how we are going to get there?

Change happens.  We are called upon to make changes every day of our lives.  Sometimes those changes are large and have a far reaching impact.  Sometimes those changes are as small as deciding to take a different way to work.  Change happens.

The question becomes: What are we going to do with that change?  How are we going to respond when we are faced with the opportunity to adapt, be flexible and shift our thinking to a new way of doing things?

My challenge to all of us is to embrace it.  Embrace change.  Not necessarily from a political standpoint but instead from a personal one.  Embrace the chance to be adaptable.  Embrace not complaining when things don’t go the way we planned.  Embrace keeping a positive outlook even when we have to adjust to new circumstances.

Embrace change.  I promise that we will be happier if we do.

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Change, Independence and the American Way

There is nothing wrong with change, if it is in the right direction.  -Winston Churchill

All of the political talk swirling around us at every turn has me thinking a lot about the idea of change.

I keep coming back to the thought that change is often good – but not always.  Change for the sake of change can be just as destructive as complacency.  We have to be selective about change.  How will it affect me and my family now and in the future?  How will it impact the lives of our children and grandchildren?

My sister-in-law sent me a book to prepare for this baby to come called Secrets of the Baby Whisperer.  She and I are both cut from the same cloth and like things a little organized so the philosophy in this book is a good fit for us.  One of the main ideas talks about when you do something for your baby (sleeping habits, eating, etc.) you have to stop and think, “Do I want him/her to do this forever?”  If not, then curb the habit from even starting.

This rings true to me and reminds me of how I taught school.  My goal was to create an environment where each student was as independent and self-capable as possible.  I wanted them to be prepared to face challenges and tasks with confidence that they could achieve what they want.

I do the same thing as I care for Jason’s needs.  We are always thinking, how can we surround him with the tools to be as successful as possible on his own?  I have a feeling that I will approach parenthood the same way because I believe deeply in the empowerment that comes from independence, learning how to work hard to get what you want and not have someone else (government, parents, whoever…) do everything for us.

So, I am wary of the talk of change from both sides that is being tossed around, luring us into agreeing simply because it sounds sexy and fresh and new.  Will the changes being talked about really help me live a better, more independent, more productive life?

As we watch the political decisions unfold, I challenge us to be watchful and thoughtful of the changes that are discussed on both sides of the line.  Is change for the sake of change really going to help us get what we want in the end?

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