A few weeks ago, a long time friend made a comment along
the lines that they were impressed that I was always reinventing myself.
Really? Hmm.... I'd never thought of my life in that way.
When I think of reinventing
- I tend to think of a physical product being reformulated, repackaged or
renamed. Something being marketed in a new way.
In human terms, I think of a complete makeover in
appearance to better reflect the person inside. Or perhaps to reflect ones
personality or maybe a career change. Such as someone taking on a new persona
to achieve success in another genre or walk of life. And sadly. in some cases,
to avoid or escape from their own reality.
Personally, I think of myself as a continuous work in
progress.
I don't like being pushed or forced into change. Whenever
possible, I prefer to make a gradual adjustment. Somehow it feels more natural
and not nearly as stressful or disruptive that way.
Unfortunately, we don't always get a say in when or how the
changes in our lives happen. Circumstances can force us into change in a
heartbeat. Those tend to be the hardest and most challenging changes we make.
Looking back, I think the hardest thing I ever had to
adjust to, was losing so much of my eyesight in 1990. It forced me to relearn
many skills using more of my other senses to get me through daily life
situations safely.
Learning to use a computer was a challenge that I delayed
for many years. I knew it could potentially improve parts of my life, but I
just wasn't ready to commit the time to learn about it or the money to buy one.
When a friend of a friend offered me a free used computer, I realized it was an
opportunity to expand my horizon and embrace the ever growing world of
technology. There are days, I barely touch the computer (or the tablet) but
learning to use this particular new fangled technology is one I will never
regret! It has opened new worlds and possibilities to me that I had never dared
to dream!
Truth be told, I tend to overanalyze or research the heck
out of something before I even go near something new! Not just the big
purchases or changes! I even research and compare small items and products
before I try them! I'm not cheap, but my income is limited so I want the best
value for the money I do spend.
It's not that I am set in my ways. Well, not completely anyways. I adapt as needed.
Sometimes it is a bit more grudgingly as some things are harder to change than
others.
I am not one to jump on bandwagons or fads without
considering the pros and cons. I tend to wait a bit and see the reaction of the
masses before I take a dip into the latest in trends. I like to learn about the
newer options and make a careful decision as to whether whatever this new thing
is would be a good fit for me or if I want to adapt to it.
Under certain circumstances, I will try new things.
However, I have to ask questions first. Such as: Does the product contain
anything I may be allergic to? Will this improve the quality of my life? Can I
afford this change - and the upkeep that may go with it?
I moved numerous times in my young adult years - some
were financially motivated and some were pure circumstance. I always researched
the area before I chose a new place. Some moves worked out better than others
but each offered new experiences and the chance to meet new people.
There are also parts of my life that I am quite
comfortable with and have seen no real need to make major changes.
For instance, I've never walked into a salon and given
carte blanche to the first stylist I see. My hair styles changed a few times in
my younger years, but I now love having a short "wash it, comb it and
ignore it" style!
I've never done a total 180 on fashion. My fashion sense
has changed little. I still prefer comfortable classic pieces that don't really
go out of style. The basic designs and solid colours that can be mixed and
matched as needed - then dressed up or down with jewellery or other
accessories.
For the most part, the changes I've made are more in
lifestyle and on the inside.
Changes in eating habits (healthier), daily stretches and
workouts were key to getting in better shape, My physical health is still not
great but it is far better than it was 15 years ago! My mind and heart have
been opened to new ideas, opinions and beliefs. The friends and relationships
that are part of my life now are stronger and more mutually supportive than
those from my younger years.
There are more areas of my life that will inevitably
evolve. Some areas, I know could use an overhaul of sorts - and I'm working up
to making those adjustments. I'm just not ready to act on them yet!
As we grow from childhood to youth then adulthood and into
our later years, it is inevitable that our lives evolve. We learn to adapt to
new circumstances, surroundings, technologies and people. If we don't, then our
lives become stagnant and one dimensional.
Failing to adapt and evolve, also means missing out on
new experiences and so much of what life has to offer. We don't necessarily
have to "like" or "love" all the new things but we have to
at least acknowledge that there is more to life than our own little world.
The strength and resilience of the human spirit that
allows us to evolve and adapt never ceases to amaze me.
Life is full of opportunities as we adapt and evolve!
To survive and thrive in this world, we must each
continue to be a work in progress!
dn
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