Sometimes change is necessary. Who has not dealt with a flat tire by the side of the road? That thumping sound means that the tire is of no use and needs to be changed to the spare tire you stored in the back of your vehicle. If you continue to ride on that flat tire, it could be dangerous to your vehicle and put you at risk. Though you may try and convince yourself that the tire is not flat, the sound and the clumping sound say otherwise. Your car says, ‘It is time to change my tire.
If you are going to a nice restaurant for dinner, it would be prudent to change your attire, isn’t that correct? A lovely evening gown for the ladies and a tie and jacket are appropriate for the men. A five-star meal requires us to change out of our sweatpants or blue jeans and wear something more appropriate for the occasion. While at it, some cologne, perfume, and spiffy shoes may be the last attire changes for such an excellent fine dining occasion!
Now the first two changes are necessary for different reasons. The third example is when we have had to change babies’ diapers. No matter how smelly the ordeal, every parent and grandparent has done this deed. We all agree that it is necessary and responsible for a loving parent or guardian to change a soiled diaper. The reward is a happy baby smiling at you. If they could, the babies would wink at you and say, ‘Thank you for making my life so much better.
But my friend, you and I must change when the situation demands it. For example, when relationships cause stress and arguments, then it may be appropriate to change course. Each person may have to step back and listen with reason to the other person. Indeed, everyone wants to feel heard and their feelings validated, don’t you agree? If we continue the same pattern of arguing and interrupting, then the same results will occur. Change is necessary for the health of such a relationship. It’s no wonder George Bernard Shaw said, ‘Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.’ Therefore, we must start within ourselves when we deal with outside stimuli.
Change is necessary if one is dealing with stress and worry. Though the situation may not immediately be altered, how we deal with it emotionally can be. It is not the mountain we must climb but the approach we take to begin the journey. Neither is it the trials that we must endure but our attitude when we face them. My friend, we must make changes internally to help our emotional state. Maya Angelou once said, ‘If you can’t change it, change your attitude.
At Commitment to Hope, change is possible! Our therapist can help you to make appropriate changes for healthy relationships. They will empower you to make changes that are vital to easing the burden of stress. We serve all of Ohio through telehealth therapy. In addition, we have Therapists in our Cleveland, Toledo, and Canton offices. Our team is eager to assist you: please make an appointment.
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