Freedom To Change

As we stand at the doorway peering into 2012…have you given yourself freedom to change? To become who you are meant to be…

Definition of Resolution:
a) the act of analyzing a complex notion into simpler ones
b) the act of answering (solving the problem)
c) the act of determining (the right action)

Definition of Change
a) To make different in some particular way (alter)
b) To make radically different (transform)
c) To replace with another (swap)
d) To undergo a modification (modify)
e) To make a shift from one to another (switch)

So, by definition resolutions are the act of analyzing, simplifying or solving some specified condition, usually an undesirable one, with a rather unbending use of will. Whereas, change is a more flexible approach, that doesn’t automatically assume that “your will” is going to be tested to its limits.

Through the years, with a number of resolution success stories under my belt, I never felt the elation of the success, I do however remember the difficulty of the accomplishment. As I have moved through the last few months of 2011, I have been contemplating how I would like 2012 to be different.

Change by definition is a more natural and flowing approach. One that may occur in either minor or major degrees, without the huge energy investment in the ultimate success or failure. I prefer “Change” to “Resolution”, the energy is definitely more feminine, with softer edges and decidedly, more room for creativity.

Moving deeper into the concept of change, for something to have persistence or lasting effects it usually requires a deeper change; a lifestyle change.

What does a lifestyle change look or feel like, and how do you know when you have made one? If you listen to other people, it can often sound like someone waved a magic wand for them and what they desired, suddenly came true. The difference between us and them is only one of perspective and a plan.

The Plan
Is a series of written steps that will take you from where you are to where you want to be; a road map. Create a Mapquest series of directions to take you where you want to be. Take each step and convert in into an action item.

The Perspective
Is a human behavior, one we may choose to alter at any moment. Incorporating the following perspective points into a comprehensive perspective is the energy that will move you forward and support you as you follow your plan.

a) A Lifestyle Change is all about YOU. It is about lining up your actions with your real goals and desires. Success is defined in terms of how these changes make you feel about yourself.

b) Lifestyle Changes allow us to alter how something has been the result of other problems, not the cause. This means that when you focus on the bigger picture your view is more accurate, than the view right in front of your face on one single item. The larger view often provides clues into additional areas that may need attention to support the overall permanence of the lifestyle change.

c) Lifestyle Changes involve an internal and permanent change in your relationship to yourself (and possibly others) in the area of your life you have chosen to focus upon. Lifestyle Change creates the opportunity to feeling satisfied and happy with your life when you take personal responsibility for what you can control and let go of everything else.

d) Many factors are out of your control- when you choose to focus on these factors you are staking your joy and satisfaction on things you really aren’t able to control. This then pretty much sets you up to be chronically worried, stressed and uncomfortable.

e) When you rely too much on the tools, techniques and rules to determine your behavior, you are turning over your personal responsibility to the tools and techniques. The tools do not do YOUR part of the work for you, they assist you, however they will never replace you!

“Flow will always move us; The Plan and The Perspective provide the map, not towards a destination though, rather into and through the discovery of ourselves.”- The Flow Messengers

To Discovering the Amazing You on the other side of 2011!
Julie & Leslie