Lately I’ve been thinking about TTN’s core value of
Embracing Change After 50
. We all experience so many changes in our lives, from big, sudden changes to incremental, barely noticeable ones. Although we may not notice or acknowledge it, our lives are constantly changing, and by learning to accept and even lean into change, we can become more at home and more at peace with our lives, whatever the circumstances.
I have found that intentionally making small changes in my habits and routines helps me to learn to value change and to be better able to handle unexpected change when it happens on a larger scale. We are creatures of habit and a habit can often turn into a rut, dulling our joy and zest for life. Changing things up a bit can help us to notice something new, to appreciate our ability to be flexible, even to discover a new interest or passion.
Small changes can be simple and fun. Try a new meeting place for coffee with a friend, take a different route to work or to the grocery store, or try a new recipe. Visit a museum or gallery by yourself and notice what that feels like. Get together with a new acquaintance and savor the conversation. Do something different this month and see how it expands your possibilities, even just a little. Small changes can lead to the ability to more easily adapt to big changes. You may be surprised how empowering it feels to expand your comfort zone and learn to embrace change!
We are here to support each other through the small and large changes in our lives.
Wishing you a joyful July!
—Ellen Wetzel