Change . . . To Become Different

Merriam-Webster & The Oxford English dictionary define "Change" as the following:

1. to become (or make) different

Synonyms for "Change":

change, alter, vary, modify

Sounds simple enough . . . doesn't it? You hear it all the time, people speak of the need for change with regards to the environment, our political position, in our health care system and so on.

In some ways, I do believe that change is a simple thing. Not long ago I wrote a post describing how making the decision to exercise was not actually difficult. You just have to decide; just as I once decided that brushing my teeth was something I would do everyday. And, I still brush my teeth because now it's habitual.

However, it is not human nature to change. It is far easier to be complacent. Yet, we continually hear others preaching about what needs to be changed. But are those individuals actually doing anything to create that change?

Of course, there are many instances where you do see individuals change, often drastically. How often have you heard stories or known someone who had that big life changing "scare" and survived? The heart attack, stroke, cancer, etc. In such cases, people certainly change. However, the change in those instances is clearly reactive in nature. How long would someone have gone without changing had they not had the "scary" experience. I suppose it depends on the individual.

If you have been following my story, you already know that the "scary" experience certainly triggered my own change (for those who are new to my story, I would suggest clicking the "How my Story Began" link on the right sidebar). You may also wonder as I have, if I had not gone through that experience, would I have ever changed my behavior? I can't be certain that I would have, but I like to think that I might have at some point.

I like so many others, had the "put it off" mindset for far too long. I'll get healthier when I have kids, I'll quit smoking before the new year, etc. Consider how many times you have heard stories of those who lacked the desire to change and the consequences that followed. How many of those times would a behavioral change have mitigated the damage that occurred?

It's also not just about the individual, it is about the collective group as well (society).

There is a relationship between individual change and collective change. For example, I assure you that although I have always been aware of the environmental issues our society faced. But, I had very little motivation to work towards changing those issues for the better. I had my own issues to deal with, and quite frankly was complacent about everything else. So why would the environment be any different. Even today, global warming and it's effects will have far less impact in my lifetime then in that of my children and their children. My concern now is a clear example of how the ability to change has impacted my societal views and concerns. Because I am more balanced, I now can deal with other issues in a far different manner then previously.

When I was sick, my goal was to make my body healthy. After three years of searching for resolution, not one "expert" had ever approached my illness in this way. Once I finally made my body healthier, my medical issues disappeared. At that point, I then had two choices. Either spend the rest of my existence maintaining what I had accomplished, or I could continue to improve my own balance and understanding. I chose the latter.

Initially it was surprising to me that I felt more passionate about changing other things besides my own physical condition. Heck, it was something I had not felt in a long long time. It was invigorating, exciting and at times concerning. It was at that point, that I really began thinking about the lack of balance we face as a society. So much is out of whack, and way out of whack. Could something so daunting be repaired?

Finding improved health and wellness didn't eliminate all the issues in my life, but it did allow me to think in a more balanced fashion, allowing me to approach the stresses of work, home life and even society in a different way.

I have learned a lot about change in this process. One of the many lessons . . . change is a constant. Everything we do, every decision we make creates change. How you deal with change is the trick.

In my case, the process of change began with my health, but that is not where it will end. It is a journey. It is becoming proactive instead of reactive. It is changing as an individual. I once cared little about the collective group, now I care greatly. I will look at change in a new and way and focus my energy in a productive fashion. I will continue to alter, modify and vary my behavior to continue to find greater balance....will you?

Josh Neimark - Agent of Change