On Change and Changing

I used to think of change as another four letter word, just as most of you do. Well, I think Tai Chi and age brought about a great change in my thinking. I have begun to look at change as a very positive thing. I have had to make some mighty changes in thinking in my life. Some of those changes have included actual physical changes but all of them have included changes in heart and mind. I have learned along the way to trust and that has perhaps been the mightiest change of all. I know it is the change that has brought me the most peace.

When I was a kid, I trusted very few people. I was trying to find my way in a world which didn't feel very comfortable to me. Until I was 16 or so, I had many experiences in which I would feel like I was living in a dream and I would awaken at any moment and find that I was back "home" again in the "real" world. It has been a very interesting experience for me to finally get to a place where I accept where I am and trust my Heavenly Father to guide me to where He needs me rather than my trying to push my will upon Him. What great peace this has brought to my life.

The difficulties haven't changed one little bit. There are still many challenges. Like the old saying, "Growing old is not for sissies." On the other hand, growing old can be one of the most rewarding experiences imaginable. I wouldn't change the new understanding I have of life for anything else in the world. I have become what I am through the changes I have decided to make or have been forced to make throughout this life and I am really beginning to like what I am becoming.