Publisher’s Points to Ponder: Seasons

The inspiration for my PTP article this week came from a discussion with my colleagues about change. As with the seasons, change is inevitable. In many cases, we can’t control the circumstances that result from the changes we face in life. What we can control, is our attitude toward change.

Sometimes our attitude toward change is negative. Perhaps the negativity is connected to our resistance to change. Why do we resist change? The first time I became aware of my resistance to change was after reading “Who Moved My Cheese” by Dr. Spencer Johnson. Johnson wrote the book during a challenging time in his life. Through the characters in this funny book, I learned that most of my resistance comes from my fear of the unknown, and sometimes my resistance has to do with my unwillingness to leave my comfort zone. I believe other people who are resistant to change can relate to the comfort-zone abandonment theory. Can you?

Licensed Professional Counselor Nishia Livingston said although many people are resistant to change, there are ways to deal with change. “Resistance to change is not uncommon because change interferes with our comfort levels. As you address various changes in your life, use your coping skills to help you navigate the changes you face. One way is to talk to a licensed counselor who can help you build coping skills that will help you address change,” Livingston said.

Livingston offers a simple way to deal with change. She said, “When facing change, write out the pros and cons relative to the change. Next, assess your findings to determine if the change is suitable for you.”

While facing a few recent changes in my life, I am finding comfort in King Solomon’s words about change. He reminds us in Ecclesiastes; there is a season for everything. This week, I will close with his words of wisdom.

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to uproot; a time to kill and a time to heal; a time to tear down and a time to build; a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance; a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them; a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to search and a time to give up; a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend; a time to be silent and a time to speak; a time to love and a time to hate; a time for war and a time for peace.”   

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8