Embracing change is a personal decision, but the need to change is a constant.
No matter how ideal life or business is at the moment.
Things change.
I’ve been vibrantly aware of this during the past several months as my family has joyously celebrated two graduations, a wedding, a career shift, and a move. Now that we are at a pause in the summer of change (two moves yet to go) I’m catching my breath and contemplating change.
You can make change a way of life. Be the early adopter, grab hold of every trend and gadget that passes near enough to touch. Being buffeted by every gust that hits doesn’t exactly make setting sail an easy proposition.
You can resist change with all your might, and for a while keep your finger plugged in the dam. Won’t stop the dampness though and when it’s time to move your feet will likely be stuck in the mud.
So I’ve decided to embrace the summer of change. My daughter has gone west with a great guy. I’m told walking her down the aisle would be the toughest job I’ve had in a while, but truth is it was a joy. More a time to skip than shuffle. It was a glimpse of all the possibles in front of her and her love.
My son is off to IU starting his musical journey. It’s a special time when you get to focus with all your might on your passion. He composed a quartet to celebrate his sister’s wedding. Hard to be sad when I’m actually feeling blessed and jealous.
The misses and I will be saying goodbye to Park Ridge this summer. She already set up a base camp in Bloomington and it will be good to see our long distance commute finally come to an end. Picking up roots ain’t easy, but family is a great anchor when the landscape is changing. Besides, I’m looking forward to getting back to irritating my sweetie seven days a week. We’re good for each other.
So, this is my summer of change. It may be yours as well.
I hope you find the balance between wandering and stuck that lets you move forward with joy in your heart.
To get you off on the right foot here’s String Quartet Number 1 composed by Matthew K Schlegel to celebrate his sister’s marriage. Performed by the Mezzo Polipo Quartet with Ryan Murphy (Violin I), Hannah Baukert (Violin II), Eric Hollander (Viola), and Shea Acott (Cello).
Fred, Best wishes for a happy transition! Change is a good thing, and it sounds like there are a lot of positives behind this one.
> It’s a special time when you get to focus with all your might on your passion.
That’s the key to life — whether we do it in a big batch, or if we find a way to add some of this to each day.
I think it’s an important success pattern to counteract the anti-pattern … putting off spending time in your passion to someday in the future when you’re rich or successful or this is just right or that is just right or the stars align …. it’s got to be part of the journey and only you can decide to make it a part of your journey vs. “out there.”
Wow Fred!
That’s a lot of change at once. What I love about it, is that it’s a lot of positive change at once.
Bravo!
Thanks Brad. Tis all good.
Agreed. Frightening how many folks put off dreams till it tis a bit too late.
I’m not sure I deserve the ovation, but thank you Lennie. Hoping to make it to one of your events soon!
Wow, Fred, when you change you do it big! 🙂 I love your attitude and celebrate all of the wonderful changes with you. I loved your son’s composition, reminded me of Vivaldi. Thank you so much Fred for the encouraging words and for allowing us to share in the joy of your season of change!
Fred,
Sounds like things are happening pretty fast in your life.
Change should be embraced, and it sounds as though you and your family are doing so with gusto.
Congratulations to both your daughter and your son. You must have been a mighty proud father walking down that isle, not to mention having your son going off to IU (excuse my ignorance – does that mean Illinois University?)
So, Park Ridge to Bloomington? Sounds like an interesting move. (Looks like they are about 200km apart according to Google maps (excuse my ignorance again) is this about right?)
From your new place, are you within driving distance of Indianapolis?
Tell me, where you lived in Park Ridge, was it anywhere near the lake?
Thank you Karen. I’m glad you enjoyed Matt’s piece!
Hi Andrew – I should have been more specific. He’s heading to Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. (Also where I am heading by happy coincidence.) Bloomington is a nice small college town. Bit slower paced than Chicago but because of the university many interesting things to keep me busy. It’s about 40 minutes from Indianapolis.
Park Ridge is about 30 minutes from the lake on a good traffic day. Close enough to take advantage of, far enough to avoid the high property values 🙂
Thanks Fred for the wonderful reminder to be open to change, whether we create it, we are swept up in it due to changes on the part of those we love, or it is forced upon us by changes we’d not wish, but must deal with. What’s your plan for your new residence? Will you change companies? K
Hi Kay, Thought you were off enjoying Austria! I’m lucky enough that my business has been ‘location independent’ for a long time, although I have picked up some teaching responsibilities for the Kelley School of Business which I’m enjoying quite a bit. We’ll see where passion leads….
Your post made me pause too…
Our daughter has just bought her first home. Although she studied away from home since she graduated she has been living with us to save for her next step.
I thought that this move out – which on paper seems so “final” – would be really difficult for me to handle but when I see how settled and happy she is in her “place” I am filled with joy.
Our children’s next stages create a next stage for us too….
What exciting things are ahead?
Hi Jackie, I like the “What exciting things are ahead?” stage. Sounds like one to stick in for a long time. 🙂