Small Steps to Big Change

Making Big Change Easier

This article has been reprinted from DailyOM.

When we decide that it's time for big changes in our lives, it is wise to ease into them by starting small. Small changes allow us to grow into a new habit and make it a permanent part of our lives, whereas sudden changes may cause a sense of failure that makes it difficult to go on, and we are more likely to revert to our old ways. Even if we have gone that route and find ourselves contemplating the choice to start over again, we can decide to take it slowly this time, and move forward.

Sometimes the goals we set for ourselves are merely indicators of the need for change and are useful in getting us moving in the right direction. But it is possible that once we try out what seemed so ideal, we may find that it doesn’t actually suit us, or make us feel the way we had hoped. By embarking on the path slowly, we have the chance to look around and consider other options as we learn and grow. We have time to examine the underlying values of the desire for change and find ways to manifest those feelings, whether it looks exactly like our initial goal or not. Taking small steps forward gives us time to adjust and find secure footing on our new path.

Life doesn't always give us the opportunity to anticipate or prepare for a big change, and we may find ourselves overwhelmed by what is in front of us. By choosing one thing to work on at a time, we focus our attention on something manageable, and eventually we will look up to see that we have accomplished quite a bit. Forcing change is, in essence, a sign that we do not trust the universe’s wisdom. Instead, we can listen to our inner guidance and make changes at a pace that is right for us, ensuring that we do so in alignment with the rhythm of the universe.

What do you think?

The OM-Tip

A friend of mine who was a major catalyst in my mental "makeover", Kristy Iris, is a feng shui practioner and has a website www.fizom.com and newsletter. The day I wrote this issue's "Visions" Musings, I received her newsletter and thought one of her articles complemented it:

"Om is a universal sound. It brings peace and balance. And that is what we seek here. How to live a life that is fully expressing your most authentic self? This is about finding the balance of your inner world - the om and the outer world- the fiz.

Life may be a bit bumpy at times. You may be laughing that this is an understatement- bumpy like an avalanche.
Hold on.
Know that this too shall pass.
It's all an illusion.
Try thinking of your life as a show of what your inner self needs to experience. Look back- haven't you found that often what seemed like the most heartbreaking, end of the world as you know it situation, turned out to be the biggest gift for you? It was a defining moment in your life. It's just that when you are in the middle of the "show", and you are putting on an award winning performance, as all your players are, it's a little difficult to really remember it's all a show.
Can you enjoy the show? Can you laugh at the plot line? Can you giggle at how well the drama was written? How will you, the star of the show turn it all around and into a happy ending?
Think about it. Write out your happy ending.
You know, you are also the playwright. You can create the happily ever after you desire.
And- you deserve it!