Change

Change. 

Change is a scary thing. We fear changes in our lives because it is unfamiliar, unknown and that's understandable. You have no idea what's going to happen next - if your life is going to fall into a sinkhole or if you're going to reach the stars. But the fact is: change is the only constant thing in our lives. No matter what life throws at us, the world will continue to spin, it doesn't stop for anyone so we need to embrace change with open arms. 

This year, as I'm sure you have, I have gone through many changes in my life. The pandemic has shaped our lives forever - it's changed the way we socialise, spend, but most of all, it has brought to the surface the cracks in our society where we have put bandaids over the wounds rather than treating the issue at its core. In my own life as I've shared in this 'diary' with all of you, ties with who were some of the most important people in my life were cut and that has brought to the surface my flaws and my need to have boundaries and self-respect as well as other cracks. 

And in face of challenges and hard times, it's so easy to sit back and be complacent, continue being, and have a 'it is what it is' attitude. As I said, the world doesn't stop spinning. Not for you, not for me, not for anyone. Being complacent in our situations and not actively seeking change is one of the most toxic and damaging things we can do as well as miss out on opportunities for growth. 

We can see through the pandemic the need to adapt and change, and consequences of being complacent. In New Zealand where the population accepted and adapted to change, were able to eradicate the virus. This significantly contrasts to the US where the failure of many to adapt to changes such as wearing masks, social distancing and quarantine has resulted in dire health, mental/social and economic consequences.

This can be seen in other areas such as the economy. Particularly in the 90s where Australia's economy failed to adapt to technological advancements, we experienced as Paul Keating says "the recession we had to have". Here, Australia experienced high unemployment, high inflation and low economic growth due to Australia's continuous investment in sectors that didn't bring us any benefits and not embracing technological advances. 

In these examples, it is evident how continuity and complacency is toxic. That it is essential that we face the challenges in our lives head on and embrace change. It is only then that we are able to learn, grow and be stronger. 

Going back to me (in the least narcissistic way possible), I could've stayed complacent in my situation. I understand that when you're in those ruts it feels impossible that things will change. I definitely felt that way too. But after going through many Youtube rabbit holes, I have learnt that you make your own luck, and only you are responsible for turning your failures into opportunities. 

I am living proof that change is necessary. Through meditation, self-reflection and learning, I am reversing my flaws and mistakes, establishing boundaries and having some self-respect. And it is because of embracing change, and change only that I have been able to learn and grow into the person I am today. 

Written On: (can't remember but sometime in September this year)