Change - Mike P

 Change

One of the few constants in life is change. Time passes, people change. Societies

change. Cultures change. So, change is an inevitable part of life, but also one

frequently oozing with anxiety, dread, and flat-out resistance.

Not surprising that once we carve out a comfortable existence, we want to keep it. No

desire for change since life is good. But if we live on the short end of the stick and life is

often one long emergency, then we will do almost anything to change it. Change is

sought, and maybe at any cost.

Add to the mix the natural evolution in society. Technology advances and the way we

live our life changes. Populations grow, become more diverse by age, ethnicity, religion

and more. Managing change becomes more complex, maybe more desired, maybe

less desired, but certainly more complicated.

Cries of “I remember the good old days when life was ….” “Back in my day we didn’t

have all this…..” And the often lament that someone, somewhere is keeping us from

doing or being what we want or saying what we think. Change can breed resentment,

grievance, and feelings of victimhood.

As for me I have a love-hate relationship with change. I accept it, I understand it, and I

know it’s going to happen with my approval or not. I often wish change moved slower,

since I’m a late adapter to most of life. And I cling to what was, long after it’s long gone.

I make a concerted effect to stave off the role of the grumpy old geezer for as long as

possible. But in the end, we either figure out how to adapt and live in the now. Or we

are stuck carping about today’s problems and the way things aren’t.

There’s no Wayback Machine to rewind the clock to the 1950s. Ozzie Nelson

wandering around Harriet’s kitchen in his cardigan sweater isn’t there anymore. And

Jim Anderson is no longer dispensing wisdom to Bud, Princess and Kitten.

To close with Bob Dylan…. If your time to you is worth saving

Then you better start swimmin' or you'll sink like a stone

For the times, they are a-changin'