Last updated on 01/25/2011
“I Promise.”
Two powerful words ~
Those who know and love me understand that I do my best … I generally keep my word. But sometimes, when we’re in the midst of awakening change, making a commitment to do, give, or be something we’re striving for, presents a challenge that we hadn’t expected. We realize that our time, resources, and energy are spread too thin.
Change … real soul-searching, gut wrenching change, can make us downright uncomfortable!
So, we make choices. Should we stay the same, or grow? Evolve or continue doing what we’ve always done? Expand or contract?
Often, just when we muster the courage to change, the bittersweet war between our emotions ensues.
At our best, change brings about
- confidence
- courage
- accomplishment
- knowledge
- fulfillment
- empathy
- competence
At our most uncomfortable, the time when we might also feel assurance that the magic is happening, change can stir
- guilt
- frustration
- weariness
- unmanageability
- disappointment
- confusion
- fear
I’m reminded of Seth Godin telling us that we can’t please everyone, and the ‘kids in the back of the bus’ just might not get us. I choose to learn and grow anyway.
Stating your intentions one week, and then changing the next week is okay … in-fact it’s awesome if the changes are leading you to bigger, better, happier places.
Real change is uncomfortable. If it’s not feeling that way, you’ve probably just adopted new words. ~ Seth Godin
Sandra Lee, of Always Well Within, asks us to consider choosing one inspirational word as our focus for 2011.
My word for this year … for this week, is change.
I don’t promise that this will be my word for the duration of the year, and I reserve the right to change it tomorrow, if I so choose. Just for today, change serves me well.
I am too open to remain the same. I am too powerful to go unused. I am too curious to put a lovely bedspread over a quilt that might otherwise smother me.
All I can promise, is that I will change.
Keep the courage to change, peeps … keep it high on your list of words for this year.
Take good care. I’m so very glad that you stopped by today ~
Love,
Lovely Jane,
I love change – change in people, seasons, me. Change keeps me alive,
Erin
Change does indeed keep you alive, Erin. I love watching your evolution, and your excitement! Times they are a’changin!
change….I like it!
Hey there Nancy ~ thanks for all that you’ve taught me about change, and about embracing the journey. We’re headed to Asheville soon to ‘change’ to a new booth at Kress. We’ll be in touch for breakfast or a cup of coffee!
Wow, what a powerful post Jane, you’ve hit it on the mark with this one. Actually this new year I didn’t make any resolutions but committed to 2 personal promises for 2011- to allow and to be curious. So, keep your promises simple and you’ll stay true to your word. Keep up the sterling stuff like this – me like!!
John Sherry recently posted..How Do You Use Words
Hey John, It’s great to see you! Thanks for your kind words. I love the way we all learn from each other. Taking tidbits from here and there. I can hear that your time in London has been wonderful ~ thanks for adding that little block of inspiration to my fortress of courage.
Jane Rochelle recently posted..All I Can Promise is that I Will Change
Jane,
“I am to powerful to go unused.” That’s deep and brilliant. Thanks for the inspiration!
Tess The Bold Life recently posted..Running- Why My World Revolves Around It
It’s funny, Tess, how sometimes words just come … I’m not even sure whether they’ll make sense to anyone other than me. I’m so full of gratitude, and excitement for the future … and happy that you connected with my writing today.
Take good care ~
Jane
Jane Rochelle recently posted..All I Can Promise is that I Will Change
Jane, this is a wonderful way to look at the word “change.” I often feel I must commit to something because I started it and the problem can be in not allowing myself to change the direction I’m on. Allowing ones self to have the option to change without judging it as “not finishing what we’ve started” is an empowering option.
Thank you for shedding light on seeing change as good – and seeing a change in intention or direction as good.
Aileen recently posted..How Inspiration Created A Golden Opportunity
Hi Aileen,
I’m delighted that you’re relating to this post. The funny thing is that one recent Saturday, I was washing dishes and thinking of the many things I needed, wanted, and was drawn to do that day, and over the coming days, weeks, and months. I knew I wouldn’t get to them all that day, but that they’d all get done in their right time. I was so at-peace with it … it suddenly occurred to me … Kaizen. I suddenly got it! Thank you for being part of my journey of ‘change’.
Jane Rochelle recently posted..All I Can Promise is that I Will Change
Jane,
I love how you reserve the right to change your mind tomorrow. These are powerful words to proclaim: “I’ve changed my mind.”
I used to believe I hated change, but now I know I thrive on it. I tell my friends, I’m fickle but I’m current! Change is, after all, the only constant in life!
Thanks for a thoughtful post!
Lori
Jane,
I’m glad your word for the week was change. I happen to be one of those people who enjoys change. I get bored with things and need change to feel stimulated and alive. I do think that putting yourself in new or uncomfortable situations does foster growth. I can see that having many diverse experiences in my life has helped – especially during the rough patches I’ve been through lately. I hope I don’t have to get to used to the rough patches though!
Angela Artemis recently posted..25 Ways to Jack-Up Your Success Using Intuition
Thank you for stopping by yesterday and leaving such a nice comment. I spent yesterday talking to a friend who has just retired. One of the things I told her was that I had found since retirement that I am continually changing what I am doing or wanting to experience. In my past life, there was routine and structure within the change but now it seems that I am changing all of the time. This has made me uncomfortable at times but your post today was definitely inspiring as well as comforting. Thank you!
Ginny recently posted..Wishcasting Wednesday What do you wish to enjoy