Sometimes change is imposed from without, and outside our control. Our best bet can be to adapt our thoughts and feelings and make the most of it. Sometimes change is completely self-motivated and filled with all the fear and exhilaration that a major shift can bring. And oftentimes, it’s a combination of both.
Change can happen in a moment or evolve over time. Such has been the case in my life where I have recently decided to end a decades-long relationship with a client, who, in all reality, was more like an extended family in many ways. Numerous endeavors of my own have been waiting in the wings to grow and flower, but have always taken a back seat to the immediate demands of fundraising, design, writing, getting to press, and so on. Not to complain. Doing all this on behalf of animals has been an incredibly rich part of my life.
But then things change. New people, new thoughts. Out with the old, in with the new. And change doesn’t always seem the best, especially if we feel differently as to how it deals with a cause that has been near and dear to our hearts. And especially when all these other ideas and wishes and dreams of one’s own have been clamoring for expression, or at least, more of it.
And so change challenges us, heals us, pushes us to take the steps to grow. In my case, to write, to draw, to help new people to grow and change, too. It can all seem to be happening at once, but in the end, we are bright and new, even if a little shaky on our newfound legs.
It seems that the daily advice on my Wayne Dyer desk calendar has been speaking to me. On November 5th, he said, “Go beyond the ideas of succeeding and failing — these are the judgments. Stay in the process and allow the universe to handle the details.” I couldn’t have been given better advice.
Still A Dreamer 
Beautiful thoughts and accompanying photos, Jeanne. Even happy changes involve a degree of loss and invite healing, I think. Blessings as you leave one shore to sail towards another. I hope the journey is full of sweet surprises and delights. xoxoxo
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Thank you, Kitty. Now you know why there has been such a lapse in my posting and responding to others’ posts. In some ways, this has been a long time coming; in others, it was getting pushed more recently, and ultimately, I am grateful for that. 🙂 It’s a big change. Yes, I am sailing and my sights are set on a star (or two). Your kindness and support are always appreciated. The printing company that has been one of my suppliers for years, BTW, is in Wisconsin. It’s been Times Printing in Random Lake, now taken over by Sheridan. No idea if that’s anywhere near you, but I always liked the name.
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Yes, It’s outside Sheboygan, not too far. Wisconsin used to have so many wonderful printers; when I worked in advertising, I had my pick of them, and all such high quality. Sad to see them all vanishing.
So many changes for you, Jeanne, but you seem to be on a path that’s been waiting for a long time: onward, joyfully. 🙂
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Thank you, Kitty. It’s an adjustment – not waiting for/doing work from an outside source with the amount of responsibility I had. Being able to structure one’s own day is pretty amazing. Weird, still, but amazing. However, I know I will love getting used to it again!
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Your new direction has been destined. Rejoice.
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Indeed. And rejoicing is mostly what I’m doing! (Except for the occasional wee panic.) 😂
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Although change is never comfortable, it is essential and it sounds like this is a needed and positive change Jeanne.
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Thanks, Andrea. Change IS essential, and this was the time to take back and be in my power. It’s definitely my time. (Deep breath.)
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Best wishes on your new endeavors, Jeanne! Enjoy the journey, wherever your destination in life may take you.
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Thanks, Lavinia. I suspect you’ll be reading about them here. 🙂 In fact, you’ve already been reading about them; they’ve just been spread apart due to lack of time!!
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That DOES sound like great advice!
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That page is sitting in front of my Mac 24/7. Worrying is too easy and not helpful!
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So true.
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