Change, the Only Constant

“The only thing constant in life is change.” Francois la Rochefoucauld

The Eleventh Stack blog’s last group post of 2013, was about a quote that spoke to you or was meaningful in any way; for me, it was this one.

It sounds so simple yet encompasses a great deal. When I first read it, I felt like a weight had lifted from my shoulders.

Purple coneflower bud (author’s photo)

In the last three and a half years, I’ve had a lot of change in my life. I moved from my home state, settled in a new home, and started a new job. I had to find grocery stores, a hair stylist, and where to have my shoes fixed. Too many changes for someone like me who prefers the calm and soothing waters of routine.

All my life, I have resisted change. As a child, I suffered from anxiety over it and I think it’s long past time I accept what is and go with the flow instead of fighting against the current. It is something I struggle with every day. Change will happen no matter what.

The library has some wonderful resources–search Change Psychology in the subject field of the online catalog–that explore this topic. Here are two that I found to be helpful. Perhaps they can help you or someone you know.

Change Happens: When to Try Harder and When to Stop Trying So  Hard

by Avrum Geurin Weiss

It’s Not the End of the World: Developing Resilience in Times of Change

by Joan Borysenko

-Maria

Surprised by the Elegant Gathering

Sometimes I can’t remember how or why a book ended up on my “to-read” list.  If the title seems intriguing, I check it out anyway. Most of the time, it turns out not to have been worth remembering!

One of the most pleasant surprises I’ve had in years, however, came to me recently courtesy of Kris Radish’s novel, The Elegant Gathering of White Snows.  One night, after their weekly “girl time,” eight friends decide to take a break from their lives, lace up their tennis shoes, and start walking. 

Down the highway. 

In the middle of Wisconsin.

With nothing but the clothes on their backs.

Wow.

Through a mix of newspaper clippings, internal monologues, and narrative passages, we learn the various events that led the friends to seek change, and how their silent crusade–for they speak to no one–affects women and men all over the country as the story of their pilgrimage spreads.

Be forewarned:  this novel’s a weeper, but not in the paper-hearts, sentimental sort of way.  If you have the courage to look deeply into the heart of women’s joys and sorrows, you may find yourself engaged in a good, cleansing cry.  This novel gave me the urge to call up all my girlfriends and tell them how much I love them, and I recommend it highly to anyone who’s ever loved or lost, had a friend, or been a friend.

Have you ever been surprised by a book you didn’t think you’d like?  What have you read lately that’s moved you to tears?

–Leigh Anne