Change

A very wise person told me recently, “The only way to change, is to change.” It sounds so simple stupid when you think about it, but realistically- it’s just that simple. We are so bound by the comfortable routines and patterns of our lives that the thought of doing something different never even enters our mind! But let’s just think about this for a minute, it’s called “NEW YEAR” for a reason. We fool ourselves into thinking that this year will be different, we will be different. But the harsh reality is that those declarations to make change are no more than fleeting thoughts and empty words. Well intended though they are, how often do the actions and patterns of our behavior change to achieve desired outcomes?

So, I challenge myself and you in this NEW YEAR to CHANGE. I’m starting small with my favorite thing, shoes! When I got dressed this morning, I pulled on my favorite jeans, a crème colored turtleneck, a tan blazer and accessorized with a fabulous long gold and clear, crystal beaded necklace. Now in the hustle and bustle of my commute to work, I always throw on my trusty UGG boots or running shoes. They are more comfortable and easy. But in the spirit of CHANGE, today I pretended that it was Saturday and I was headed out in this outfit for lunch with the girls- NEVER WOULD I BE IN UGG BOOTS OR RUNNING SHOES! So I decided to make a change to my daily work week routine and stepped out in my chocolate brown, suede wedge boots.

What a difference! My normal drudge into work today was much brighter! I feel more like my weekend self today. You know the one who is more relaxed and carefree. I just feel good. And to think, all I did was change my shoes.

Now the new plan is to make a small change everyday and eventually the comfort in making small changes will snowball into the bigger things and these small adjustments will invite new patterns and form more productive habits. And before I know it, there will be a new routine! One birthed from a true effort to be different and better.

My word to you today is -do something different. Break your routine, do something out of the ordinary. Be a little daring and see what happens. And then tomorrow, change something else. Push yourself to remove all self defeating thoughts and be different. What’s the worst that could happen? CHANGE.