A new year and new missions. Where do we go from here?

change

   [cheynj] Show IPA /tʃeɪndʒ/ Show Spelled verb, changed, chang·ing, noun

verb (used with object)

1. to make the form, nature, content, future course, etc., of (something) different from what it is or from what it would be if left alone: to change one's name; to change one's opinion; to change the course of history.
2. to transform or convert (usually followed by into ): The witch changed the prince into a toad.
3. to substitute another or others for; exchange  for something else, usually of the same kind: She changed her shoes when she got home from the office.
4. to give and take reciprocally; interchange: to change places with someone.
5. to transfer from one (conveyance) to another: You'll have to change planes in Chicago.

I have always marveled at the beginning of a new year and why people wait until such times to engage in resolutions and promises to themselves only to see them shimmer and shake a few months later and finally dissolve as old habits return. Attempts made to change; reverting to a previous state. This was for me a reason never to promise myself at any time to make such ambitious approaches in the hope that it would catch.

This is not to say that all resolve is lost. Their are those that stick to a plan long enough to see that change is possible. This aspect of human nature has always been something that I never attached to calendar though. Rather an innate motivation from the mind that continuing on the same course would end up unmeritorious in the end and the individual human progress would be stymied or revert to its previous state.

This is the sort of process every individual faces in due course. Anyone thinking their life will be all sunshine and roses frankly, to me, seems to suffer from delusions. Just look around. Everyone has something they can change if they aspire to be better and more sound. No one is perfect. It begins with a general sensation that change requires a shift in the life compass that is taking one in a negative direction. Like a ship sailing into dangerous waters.

Sounds all well and good provided the person admits and realizes the gravity of what is to come if change does not take place. This is the point where sometimes folks have to endure hard times to realize that the only constant in the Universe is change. Change of self. Change of environment. Change of friends, and the list goes on; constantly.

Often people try to control events around them. Control, however, is an illusion. In the final analysis no one is really in control of anything. At any moment anything can happen. Still, many people try desperate to hang on to a sense that they can control events and life around them. Ask a Heart Attack victim if he could have controlled the moment it struck, or a victim of a car accident what control they had over the event. Simply put, it was cause and effect that dictated the moment. Not any rambling of control. Yet still a person seeks change through control. Wrong.

To me, self realization is the beginning of change. One must first be motivated by an external sense of something they dislike of themselves to begin the process. From there they can attempt the end result on their own or engage family, friends, or professional help to make them see the way to a better life. After all, isn't that the real reason for change? To make a better future and a better life for oneself.

Amidst self change there are always factors of influence from naysayers and encourager's to get to the finish line. Time is also a factor. Often, depending on what one seeks to change or remedy, some things  must reside in proper perspective. To think in hours or days seems foolish to me. Generally a singular habit is said to take at least 30 days to feel a effective change. To change a habit or something about personality can take much much longer. Perhaps years even.

• So if you are serious of mind to change yourself and/or some other life aspect. Be of great resolve. 
• Know that you cannot change overnight. 
• Be ready for tough times. 
• Always wake up reminding yourself of this goal and never, NEVER give up. 
• If you feel like giving in, engage assistance. Whatever the goal you seek, no one has ever gone wrong by engaging help.
• Take Baby Steps and you will be surprised at the new person you can become. 

I write this, because I have and am still engaged in a life change process. These are the things I have learned that have helped. I should also say that the reality of my change has been hard and yet not completely realized. Only my will power and the help of others is guiding me and keeping me on course as I work on myself to right my compass and make steady the waves in my own waters.

Life was not meant to be easy. We all make errors in judgment. We all have something we aspire to. Once one sees what need doing is the moment to strike. That is the tacit admission to oneself that a new direction is needed.

After all, if a person does not admit they need to change. They never will begin to.

I realize this entry is vague to an great extent. That is intentional for what I would change of myself is not what another would be facing. Only that if a time strikes and a promise to oneself is made; then it is time to act.