I LOVE THE CLARITY OF IT
Sunday Aug. 17, 2014
Change – easily done.
Easily, in our minds. Theory of change, idea of change – especially if we see others succeeding, is very compelling.
In theory.
Having someone write books, make speeches or give hands-on instruction – demonstrating something works, helps. Ought to be enough.
In theory.
Learning, adopting, becoming convinced change is important ought to be enough for most people to transform.
In theory.
Putting change into place that really works, I’m convinced, has to be a near-religious fervour, commitment to change, to process, to results.
I’ve been struggling with my ‘new regime’, not because I don’t believe in or embrace change. Not because I’m not dedicated to making these changes work, because I really am. I’m struggling because this process highlights for me how many half-hearted attempts at so many things have littered my landscape before.
With each morning’s sunrise, much taken care of already – an unwritten sequence of harmonious detail makes earth revolve. I realize nothing revolves around any one person. I don’t see answers in that. I only see simplicity. There is predictability.
If we can reasonably predict earth, reasonably predict others, why can’t we reasonably and accurately predict ourselves?
I’m leaving soon for brunch with a friend who has important things to discuss. I know he’s struggling with career/lifestyle choices. I’m pleased he has reached out to me for help – and yet I wonder what kind of help I can possibly offer. I can listen. I can eat. I can visit, but can I bring much to the discussion?
Recently – new experiences, finding balance, energy and staying on my path – these will help me to better help him.
In theory.
“The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it.” - Henry David Thoreau
If we don’t change, it is because we don’t want it enough, or at all. Excuses, reasons, obstacles and roadblocks – we all face them, but mostly the roadblock is ourselves, the obstacles are ones we pile up ourselves.
To be tethered to someone else’s notions of how we ought to live our lives, to be anchored to someone else’s choices – this is not as simple a matter as cutting a rope or leaving town in the dark of night.
Change happens in daylight. It happens when eyes are wide open. There is no blaming the groggy thoughts of night’s middle or the intoxication of some moment when direction changed. Nobody to blame. Yet everyone is accountable.
Accountable for our own change, or for lack of it. Not to be harsh, but there is no quick fix. Change isn’t like retail therapy, where you can buy a new house, car or wardrobe, redecorate a home or office. No matter how pricey a new mirror might be, it can’t change who we see in it.
Some mornings, everything seems murky.
Some days, everything is clear.
In theory.
Mark Kolke
column written/ published from Calgary
morning walk: 17C/62F, light clouds, dampness (dew and overnight rain), Gusta’s soggy legs suggests she needs to go into the shop for a clipping soon. The say looks the same, but it isn’t. Traffic hum is low, Sunday-norman, but not the same. Something is different today . . .
