The Only Constant is Change

We all like things as they are. We like predictability. Most of us like routine. We like comfort. Unfortunately, nothing stays the same.

My friend, Serena, used to say, “When we’re green, we’re growing. When we’re ripe, we rot.”

Most change happens slowly over time. We don’t recognize it until we can no longer avoid it.

In our younger years, we learn more. We get smarter. We can do more and more. We build on our knowledge. We get stronger, too.

But time catches up with us. Fortunately, I was blessed with an outstanding memory—and despite my advancing years, I still have my mental faculties. Not everyone my age does…

I know I can no longer do many of the physical things I could do when I was younger. In high school, I was a dancer. I was very flexible. I used to be a distance swimmer. I was no good at sprints, but I had stamina and endurance. Not so much anymore.

I am watching many of my friends dealing with the issues of aging, and it isn’t pretty. Everything becomes more difficult. The eyesight diminishes. Hearing becomes faint or indistinct or fails altogether. The body becomes weaker.

So, every day, I remind myself I can still get out of bed and walk across the room under my own power. I am still capable of editing. I am a tough editor. I can keep all the threads of the story in my head. I can still usually spot grammar, punctuation, and syntax errors. I think continuing this work has helped me keep my mental skill—at least for now.

Since everything changes, and change is constant, how can we deal with it?

First, by not expecting everything to stay the same. Second, by accepting the changes as they happen, and adapt to the “new normal,” whatever it is. Third, grieve what is lost. (Yes, grief is a realistic response to loss, so don’t apologize for it.)

Last, we can have greater understanding and patience with those who are dealing with changes—large or small.

For myself, I keep trying to fight change in my own life—and losing the battle. So, I will be more patient with myself as well. Will you?