There are two kinds of change. One I embrace with a big bear hug, the other – not so much. As soon as the first red leaf appears on my patio, I get exhilarated by the impending new season. I could not live in a place where trees just stood there being green all the time. I welcome major life changes such as a new job, a new house, or moving to a new state. The promise of a new life, despite any challenges it may bring, makes me feel more alive and in touch with the world around me. I enthusiastically delve into spiritual growth and taking inward journeys to my heart that will result in changes in the way I live and view the world. I willingly listen to my Higher Power and believe me, when He says it's time for change, it's outta my hands – topic for another blog all by itself – but still a type of change I embrace. When I was teaching, I always welcomed the changes each new September brought. I always loved new programs and new ideas for doing old things in new ways. New colleagues and new leadership always made the adrenalin flow, spurring me on to try harder and do better for my students. Yes, most changes that cross my path I do embrace.
BUT…and it's a VERY big but….don't move my coffee cup that says "Home is where your mom is" to a different shelf. Don't move my toothbrush from it's spot just a little to the left of the faucet. Don't make me wake up someplace where there is no rocking chair. Even worse, don't let me come downstairs in the morning and find someone sitting in MY rocking chair and forcing me to have my coffee in a recliner because I'm too polite to say "Get your ass outta my chair!" , and just today my grocery store decided to reorganize the whole store and do away with the salad bar – sad times for me at Stop N Shop.
Funny how the big life changes that matter, I revere and welcome, letting them enrich my journey, but the tiny ones that shouldn't matter at all – those are the ones that brew a small temper tantrum.
And so, as I straighten the towel as I pass by the towel bar, another day goes by…and I have written.
Linda, You were the most amazing teacher. I remember being in your class and being so impressed with your skills with the children. They learned so much from you. Even though it annoyed me to no end that everytime you reached for your chalk or marker or whatever, it was always in the right spot. So I can totally see you being annoyed by your tooth brush being moved, or your coffee cup being on the wrong shelf. That made me laugh!!