“Change is not merely necessary to life – it is life.”
– Alvin Toffler
Imagine a world where flicking on a light switch is seen as a reckless gamble?
(We’ve got ourselves the beginnings of an M. Night Shyamalan film)
But this was the reality a little over a century ago, when electricity was first introduced.
Some believed that turning on a light could deplete the oxygen in a room, leading to suffocation. Stories of accidental electrocutions and fires only caused more panic.
The familiarity of existing tools — gas & oil lamps — made the transition to electricity seem unnecessary, even risky.
Despite these fears, we adapted… and now it’s a no-brainer.
We’ve technically ‘progressed’ from those times, but our mindset about accepting change? Not so much.
Resistance is still our default reaction.
Why?
Because change is unknown, unfamiliar, uncomfortable.
Humans crave certainty. The unknown, which comes hand-in-hand with change, triggers fear, anxiety. We’re wired to see the loss more vividly than the gain.
But here’s the thing: This fear is a story we tell ourselves. It’s not the reality.
Next time you have to go through change — big or small — practice being adaptable and open to new experiences. Especially if what you’re doing is reversible.
Try something as simple as a new coffee blend or a different route to work. Small changes build your adaptability muscle.
Remind yourself of times you’ve successfully navigated change. This reinforces the belief that you can handle it.
If change feels overwhelming, don’t go it alone. Talk to friends, family, or colleagues who have been through similar transitions.
Don’t be afraid to ‘flip the switch.’
This Week’s Image
This Week’s Riddle
What has 13 hearts but no other organs?
This Week’s Journaling Prompt
Reflect on a time in your life when you faced significant change, akin to the transition from gas and oil lamps to electricity. Describe the unknown elements of this change that made you apprehensive or resistant. Compare and contrast your initial reactions to the change with how you feel about it now. Did your perspective shift over time? If so, how?
This Week’s Challenge
Start each morning of the week without checking your phone for the first 30 minutes after waking up. Use this time for a calming activity like meditation, stretching, or reading. Notice how it will seem almost impossible at the start and then you might get used to your new routine.
Riddle Answer: A deck of cards