Change is good....or is it?

In my coaching business, it is all about change. When you are no longer pleased with your current state and you are sufficiently motivated to do something about it, you can make progress. But why are we so reluctant to change?

There are several reasons, one of the most prevalent being fear. Fear of making decisions, of having to do things differently, of confronting people or issues, fear of becoming who we are meant to be.

Change is only good when we understand that remaining in an unsatisfactory state will eventually produce long term negative effects on our well being. We can only stay unhappy, unfulfilled and dissatisfied for so long.

Then as we make much needed adjustments to our finances, relationships, health, careers or businesses, and lifestyles, the huge benefits become evident.

Change is great when you understand why!

Who's life is it anyway?

I watched a TV programme last night. I didn't quite catch the start of it, perhaps that is why I could not understand it. The story was based around a young muslim lady who by a series of events decides to train as a suicide bomber.


Some of the reasons profferred for this decision was guilt caused by her friend taking her own life, a relationship with a non muslim which was not accepted by her family, and an encounter with militants who convinced her that the only way to 'make a difference' was to kill as many people as possible.


No doubt the producers are hoping this programme will invite debate, but the question that it raises for me is this. Who decides when their and other people's lives become expendable? All war and terrorism (not war on terrorism!) occurs from individuals and groups making choices about others' mortalities.


I actually watched the film becuase I had seen some literary critics discuss its attributes. I came away from it not at all convinced with the actress. She seemed to walk through the entire film not sure why she was there, and taking the action that she was. Undoubtedly she was uncomfortable with making a choice that was not hers.

While I would agree that opening up for debate is good, I personally prefer to see some conviction one way or the other! At least the debate can be lively and hopefully help us come to some degree of better understanding of how important life truly is.

Sat Nav

I took a wrong turn. Before I knew it I had taken another two wrong turns and was getting increasingly late for my appointment. As I kept taking other turns to try to get back on track, I thought about my Sat Nav and that habit (sometimes annoying one!) of repeating directions that I may have just deliberately ignored! Sometimes I have a better idea of which route I want to take and its not the one its taking me through.
Anyhow, If you ignore the Sat Nav long enough, it automatically adjusts itself and re routes your journey. You still get to where you are going, eventually. It may take longer than anticipated, but that's the beside the point!
So lifes a bit like that, you might take a series of wrong turns but if you are resolute about getting to your destination, no matter how long it takes, then re route your life. Go back in the direction you were headed. Make the conscious decision. And while going on that loooong journey back, take the time to enjoy the scenery.

In search of a Hero

I love Heroes! I don't just mean the TV show, although that is pretty cool and I am kind of hooked! It is described as 'an epic drama that chronicles the lives of ordinary people who discover they possess extraordinary abilities.' I particularly enjoy seeing how they either embrace or struggle to acknowledge those abilities once they recognise them.

No, I don't mean those Heroes, I am referring to the real ones. The ones you see everyday. The ones who are faced with the daily opportunities to step out of their usual, 'normal' existence to help someone else, to inspire others to greater works. To be friends in deed. The ones who choose to use their lives to make a difference to their children, family, co workers, neighbors; to strangers.
I mean you and I. The everyday people who would make the extraordinary choice of heroic acts, everyday.

It takes courage

I am totally in awe of wise people; philosophers, sages, poets and the like. They have this amazing gift of summing up human thought and endeavour in succint yet powerful terms. I came across this recently, and until I can quote it properly and give credit to the author, I will paraphrase. It talks about the concept of freedom and says something to this effect.
The secret of happiness is freedom, the secret of freedom is courage.

As I do when I come across a statement so significant, I evangelise. All my friends and family are made aware of my find as I rant and rave about how great and ultimately life changing it is! Perhaps you too, my new friends should ponder that weighty statement.

It takes courage to be truly free.

It takes courage to become who we were destined to become.

Wow. I want to be brave. How about you?