The Process of Change

I view myself as somebody who doesn’t really like change, but recently, as I was going over my 100 Preferences list that I wrote in December 2005, I was surprised by how many of my preferences have changed in such a short period of time. Here are a few areas where I’m either on the fence or I’ve changed my mind; small cars over big cars, talk radio over music stations, paperback books over hardback, and waterbeds over regular beds. I could have listed seven or eight more things from the list as well.

So, what does all this mean? I’m not really sure. Such changes in my life come in small, almost unrecognizable segments—usually after I’ve heard somebody say something I’ve never thought about before. I can sense when a change is underway, but I don’t really acknowledge it at first. When I finally do, I know where I’m headed, but I still don’t really spend a lot of time thinking about it. I might ask people in the know a few questions about it. I might do a quick google search. But mostly I just let the process of change have its way until I can see it more clearly. As soon as the fog lifts, I embrace it.

I’m not just talking about preferences. This is how all change usually works in my life—no matter how big or small. When circumstances or people attempt to rush me, it short circuits the process and I get irritable and cold and I sort of shut down. I need ample time to process—not so much on a conscious level, but more so on an unconscious level. When given the right amount of time, change feels natural. When not given the right amount of time, change feels forced, and consequently, not real.

Anybody care to share how the process of change occurs in your own life?