Tag Archives: change

So much of life is the story of how we navigate unexpected chang

Posted on by
Reply

“So much of life is the story of how we navigate unexpected change.”

—Stephen St. Amant, author of the Savenwood Blog

Image from Unsplash by Anastasia Petrova

Life rarely follows the script we write!

Just when we think we know our direction, something shifts — a job ends, health changes, someone leaves, or opportunity knocks when we least expect it.

So much of life is really the story of how we navigate these unexpected changes.

The people who move forward aren’t those who avoid surprises, but those who adapt and stay curious. They allow disappointment and discovery to coexist.

Each twist of fate can strengthen resilience if we meet it with humility and attention.

EXERCISE:

Today, take one small step toward flexibility — listen instead of react, breathe before deciding, or reframe what feels uncertain.

Notice how every pivot — handled with patience and grace — adds a new meaningful chapter to your life.

“There are countless things we can do today to change tomorrow.”

Posted on by
Reply

“There are countless things we can do today to change tomorrow.”

—Seth Godin, American author, marketing expert, entrepreneur

Image from Unsplash by Quino Al

Every new sunrise offers a chance to shape tomorrow in inspiring ways.

It’s easy to forget how much power we hold in the small choices and actions we make each day. From sharing a kind word, pursuing a good habit, or saying yes to growth — every moment is alive with possibility.

There are countless things we can do today to create a brighter future — whether it’s learning something new, reaching out to help another person, or embracing a fresh perspective.

Change builds with each action, and the energy you invest now multiplies, transforming challenges into opportunities.

If you want to change tomorrow, start by taking one small intentional step today — your decisions are seeds, and tomorrow is their garden.

EXERCISE:

What are a few of the countless things you can do today to change tomorrow for the better? Consider telling friends and family of your intentions and ask them to join the fun.

 

“Change is not an anchor that pins us

Posted on by

“Change is not an anchor that pins us, it’s a wave we ride.”

—Stephen St. Amant, author of the Savenwood Blog

Image from Unsplash by Brett Jordan

When people hear the word change, their first reaction is often resistance.

Change gets cast as something heavy, disruptive, or even threatening.

We see it as an anchor, weighing us down, pinning us in place, keeping us from moving forward with ease and confidence.

But what if we misunderstood the nature of change?

Perhaps change is not an anchor. Maybe it’s a wave and our job is not to resist it, but to ride it!

EXERCISE:

Consider reading of re-reading the book Who Moved my Cheese? An Amazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in your Life by Spencer Johnson.

This quick, memorable parable distills essential lessons about anticipating, adapting to, and thriving through change.

One moment can change a day

Posted on by

“One moment can change a day, one day can change a life, and one life can change the world.”

—Author Unknown

 Image from Unsplash by Agê Barros

This nugget of wisdom reminds us that every second counts.

It’s easy to forget how powerful a single choice or act can be. Maybe, it’s a smile, a word of encouragement, or a decision to try something new.

Each moment holds the potential for renewal. When we embrace the present, we open doors to change — first in our own lives, then in the lives of those around us.

One inspired day can spark a journey of growth and as we support others, our actions ripple out, changing the world in ways we never imagined.

EXERCISE:

Engage each of your senses by naming five things you can see, four you can feel, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste.

This exercise directs your attention more fully to the present, heightening how quickly moments pass and encouraging greater appreciation of the now.

If you do not change direction

Posted on by

“If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.”

—Lao Tzu, 1st Century Chinese Philosopher

Image from Unsplash by Possessed Photography

To what degree are you living life on autopilot?

We often set a course early — in our careers, habits, even our mindset — and forget to check our compass.

But what if our path leads to burnout instead of fulfillment? Stagnation instead of growth?

Small course corrections today can lead to wildly different destinations tomorrow.

Momentum is powerful but it’s direction that determines destiny.

Take the wheel, check your maps, and don’t be afraid to turn around. Sometimes, the most successful journeys begin with a U-turn.

EXERCISE:

Where is the momentum of life taking you in the wrong direction?

Where can you hit the brakes and turn the wheel to travel a road far better suited for you?

“Change is the end result of all true learning.”

Posted on by

“Change is the end result of all true learning.”

—Leo Buscaglia, 20th Century American author, motivational speaker, professor

Image from Unsplash by Nick Fewings

Today’s quote does an efficient job of encapsulating the transformative power of knowledge.

It reminds us that genuine learning goes beyond mere information acquisition — it fundamentally alters our perspectives and behaviors.

When we truly internalize new ideas, we can’t help but evolve. Whether it’s shifting our worldview, adopting new habits, or refining our skills, authentic learning inevitably leads to personal growth.

EXERCISE:

In what ways do you view change as a positive indicator or learning?

To what degree do you remain open and receptive to new ideas and change given our rapidly evolving world?

 

There is no power for change greater than

Posted on by

“There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.”

—Margaret Wheatley, American writer, speaker, and management consultant

Image from Unsplash by Chase Clark

About three and a half years ago we moved from our home in SE Michigan to be closer to our family in and around Philadelphia. Although we moved a few times related to my career in prior years, this move was the most challenging.

After more than 30 years in the same location, moving required more than a bit of uprooting.

We were no longer young with boundless energy, and the release of so much history and “stuff” were daunting and liberating at the same time.

EXERCISE:

What issues and communities do you care about deeply?

How have you and can you embrace these commitments to help make the necessary changes to live an even more meaningful and wonderful life?

During times of change it is common to look for things we might lose or gain

Posted on by

“During times of change it is common to look for things we might lose or gain. Considering what will actually stay the same can steady your ship in the frequent rough seas of life.”

Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Torsten Dederichs

How has your life changed in the past few years?

To what degree have you experienced a wild ride of ups and downs?

When this happens on an ocean voyage, sea sickness is often the outcome. It is for this reason modern ships —especially the popular cruise lines — have a variety of stabilizers to help everyone maintain their footing and their meals.

EXERCISE:
What areas of your life seem the most steady and stable?

How do these areas offer you a sense of grounding and centeredness when other parts of your lifeboat may be rocking?

“If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving a new one.”

Posted on by

“If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving a new one.”

—Dolly Parton, American singer-songwriter and actress

Image from Unsplash by Greg Shield

Take two minutes to complain to yourself about your life.

If you are like most people, this short time interval may only get the ball rolling.

Now that you vocalized these items, capture them on paper or a device of your choice to work on in the coming days.

Unlike the unattended potholed roads we often travel during winter, you get to be your own paving crew to smooth out the roads of life that lead to a better future.

EXERCISE:

What areas of your life need some resurfacing?

Who are the people, and what resources will be necessary, to create an autobahn of life to get you where you want to go?

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.”

Posted on by

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.”

—Anne Frank, celebrated diarist

Image from Unsplash by Brett Jordan

Today’s quote is one of my favorites.

It is all too easy these days to be discouraged by the troubling issues facing the world, given our instant access to current events. If it bleeds it leads has never been more prominent in our society.

There is, however, an abundance of good news out there if we look for it — or better yet, if we create it.

Although we can be overwhelmed and daunted by many challenges, we can also channel our inner Anne Frank as we rise each day to improve our part of this precious world.

Changing up your news feed habits may also be worth a go!

EXERCISE:

Where are you waiting and holding back on your best efforts to improve the world?

What are some steps you can and will take now and throughout 2024 to make your life and that of others more wonderful?