CHANGING

I wish change were easier.  Looking at nature around me I see change all over the place.  Leaves are falling off trees, caterpillars are transforming in cocoons, plants look like they are dying as they wait for next Spring to bloom again.  Change requires letting go and surrendering 'what is' for the hope of what will be.  It’s so hard to let go of beliefs about myself and the world that used to work but are beginning to show evidence of not working any longer.  Beliefs like:  “I must be perfect to be loved.”  “I have to please others and make them happy even if it’s not good for me.”  “Life should be fair.”  It’s so hard to let go of wanting to be right and have control of outcomes.  It requires a great deal of trust and hope to transform and grow.

Today I am going to admire the leaves as they release their grip on the limb they cling to and gracefully fall to the ground.  I’m going to admire the tree that surrenders them trusting that new life will return.  As I face the people around me who don’t want me to set boundaries or say no, as I struggle with my own vulnerability and admit my need for others, as I let go of needing to have things my way; I will breathe, envision the strength of a tree firmly rooted to the ground, open my heart and surrender to change.