With only 39 days left before heading off to China, I find myself experiencing a variety of emotions. As an agent of change I know that change is never easy yet it is a must in life. The process of change requires transition. It is the transition that determines whether one will move ahead to embrace their season of change or retreat to comfortably remain in what is familiar.

Knowing that this trip is  a move toward larger horizons, there is a tug of war occurring with the norm and comfort pulling in one direction while the unknown pulls me toward new territories. The tug of the norm and comfort comes in many formats. Family, health, work and finance are just some of the lifestyles that seem to sense the pending change causing mini-crisis’ to suddenly develop which is designed to show why you should stay in the safe boat of comfort rather than step out onto the water of change.

When you know that the seasons of your life journey are changing you have to make choices. The easy choice says keep doing what you’re doing; don’t make waves. But hard choices say take the leap, get out of the boat, step out into the unknown, take the plunge and the leap of faith.  I, for one, look forward to new seasons even though the tug of war still tends to catch me slightly off guard. Nevertheless it is with this  in mind that I encourage others to make the hard choice and embrace the change of the new season. Here are a few keys regarding the new season that may help with the transition:

One of the keys to the seasons is knowing when to exit gracefully (if you stay too long you end up frustrated); another key is knowing when to prune the branches of your life so you can produce more in the next season of growth. Pruning requires cutting and interrupting the norm. Here’s are a few pruning techniques as you embrace the new season: 1. Get rid of junk (unproductive things, thoughts & activities). 2. Prioritize (it’s ok to say no instead of being so nice). 3. Loose some people (need I say more?). 4. Don’t feed into the depression stories. 5. Clear your mind (take walks, go sit by the waterfront or whatever calms your thoughts).

Like it or not seasons change. It’s a new season and it’s coming to you!

Peace,

ORD