Your time for change?

“To everything, turn, turn, turn. There is a season, turn, turn, turn . . . A time to be born, a time to die. A time to plant, a time to reap. A time to kill, a time to heal. A time to laugh, a time to weep.”

Music: isn’t it insightful?

Certainly, The Byrds had the right idea.

The seasons are changing. Leaves are falling and the air is becoming crisp. What else is changing in your life? Do you have a sense of purpose, and where are you now with that?

What’s your next turn?

Like The Byrds suggest – everything has its time and place. Life isn’t stagnant. Whether it moves from our own initiative or outside forces, the world will turn, seasons will change, and so will you.

Isn’t it funny how we can get everything we’ve ever wanted, and once it’s all there, new needs emerge? Our eyes are suddenly cast in new directions.

It’s all right, don’t worry. I used to feel ungrateful when I wanted something more than what I’d already achieved. But then I realized that guilt was counterproductive; it stopped my enjoyment of what I had, and damped my ability to see what came next.

I’m not saying it’s always easy. Believe me, I’m someone who approaches change like a hot bath. First I sit on the water’s edge and test it with my big toe. Next, I’ll run my hand through. Then, maybe, if I’m ready, my leg will slip in. Eventually I’ll get into the bath, which is always followed by a thankful sigh.

There’s a time when the water’s just right. If you approach it too early, you’ll get burned. But if you wait too long, it’ll become cold and unwelcoming. Everything has its season, even opportunities.

Here are a few clues to recognize when change is at the right temperature in your life:

* Your mind is wandering and new ideas are popping up.

* Your last project is completed and you can’t imagine how to take it further.

* Your satisfaction has diminished, even though not long ago you felt perfectly content.

* Others are moving on and you feel left behind.

* You’re often bored.

Of course, these sound pretty obvious, right? Wrong.

Sure –now that they’re on the page they seem obvious. But if these are your symptoms, then it’s time to wake up!

Start getting ready to dive into the water.

How?

Try re-evaluating your life – take a break from your routine and see what areas need refreshing – talk with your friends, family or partner about what you’d like next—start dreaming big and see what goals emerge – plan ahead for another challenge.

It’s about recognising that we are constantly evolving individuals. The change in our lives is inevitable, so the more you let yourself be open, the less likely you’ll miss opportunities.

Even for someone like me, needing time to process change and really internalize the experience, I know that it’s worth the effort.

When I’m unsure about new paths in my life, I remind myself that this will all soon feel normal. The nerves will fade and my talents will take over.

Life is full of great potential and so are you. Bring on fall – let the change arrive, and remember: turn, turn, turn.

What do you think about the changing opportunities in your life? Does change come too quickly, or not quickly enough? Can you spot the symptoms of change?

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