Change

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Change. The only constant in life. People change, seasons change, thoughts change, behaviours change, ideas change, emotions change. Hey, even planetary positions change! Yet, each one of us fears it. Some are terrified of it and nobody really looks forward to it. Why is it that we fear change so much? Why does it bring so much anxiety and stress and discomfort with it?  When everything under the Sun undergoes change, why are we humans not able to handle it?? 

Well known writer Robin Sharma said, "All change is hard at first, messy in the middle and gorgeous at the end."  When a change from the usual happens our immediate reaction is that of discomfort and fear. This is probably because we expect a not-so-good outcome. This is normal human nature. Think about it: when faced with anything new or different, we instantly think of all the things that can be wrong with it, all the reasons why it shouldn't happen or all the bad consequences. How easy it is to think like that and how difficult it is to think of a positive outcome!!


After accepting the change, very often with great trepidation and reluctance, we start incorporating the change into our lives while still resisting it and still trying to maintain the old status quo which we just don't want to let go of. This is what makes it messy. We just do not want to get out of our comfort zone and make excuses as to why things have not changed. 


If we persevere enough, slowly and surely, things start to look better, things will become better. One may argue that this is not the case every time and I agree. But what I would like to say at this stage is that when the whole world around us is changing, what good will come from holding on to old routines and actions and thoughts? Just as one negative thought plunges us into the dark depths of the netherworld, so can a single positive thought uplift us and make us see life all beautiful and joyous. It feels like we can achieve anything we want. We are filled with hope and that has been my experience.

I am a firm believer of 'You are what you think.' Of course, this thought has to be backed by action. Mere thought never changed anything. But it can be the start to something gorgeous. I believe that by just having positive thoughts new pathways open in our brain to help us accomplish our desires. All that is required of us is to really want the change that will truly benefit us. It is as simple as that. It seems like the end of the world with all being wrong with anything and everything, whenever I have been plagued with negative thoughts. But on convincing myself that this change is good and necessary, i have truly felt my spirit soar with my mind flooding with positive ideas and actionable thoughts to ease into my changed situation.

So the next time we are faced with a change, we just need to tell ourselves that things will be better and forge ahead with positivity. There is no place for any kind of negativity and life can only get better. Who knows what happiness awaits us?

As for me, MS has not only brought changes in my life but has changed life itself in ways unforeseen. It continues to do so even after so many years. If I mull over these changes I will only be in a state worse than I already am in because of all the limitations and restrictions MS imposes. I must admit I have shed copious tears thinking about how life has been affected and what the future holds for me, but dwelling on it is totally useless, because that will not change the present. The right way, and the only way, is to think of how best to overcome these changes to live the best possible life.

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