change

change

[cheynj]

1. to make the form, nature, content, future course, etc., of (something) different from what it is or from what it would be if left alone
2. to transform or convert

Just mentioning the word change causes some to bristle with anxious anticipation while creating an ocean of possibility for others.  The mere definition of the word does nothing to help one comprehend the complexity of its meaning.  There is change we hope for, plan for, and prepare for;  usually accompanied with change we don’t expect, don’t plan for, and/or don’t want.   

Wherever you find yourself on the scale of resisting or embracing change, we all can agree that like it or not, change is inevitable and constant.  Denial doesn’t get us anywhere in avoiding the pitfalls of change.  In fact, it can often inhibit our ability to move forward in productive and positive ways.

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.”  

~ Helen Keller, The Open Door 

As with any type of transformation, change carries with it some amount of risk.  Very few outcomes happen just the way we plan.  In a wake of optimism we leap out of the starting gate embracing change with all the enthusiasm of a racehorse, don’t we?  In a perfect world and on a perfect day, we do.  

“Leap and the net will appear.” ~ Zen saying

Then things happen, people happen, situations happen.  Our perfect plan for change shifts, is altered, is challenged.  Is there really a net?  Seriously, who is in charge of the net?  Net man, are you on it?  Please, for the love of man, don’t fall asleep at the switch. 

Four years ago this month, my husband and I reclaimed our garage from our daughter, Brynn, who had started a floral business and grown to the point that our three car garage was full of floral containers, work stations, floral coolers, clippers, not to mention a variety of organic matter.  What was ironic about our garage was that it no longer housed our vehicles.  This reclamation project was the beginning of Blooms & Company LLC as she moved from our garage to a small retail space in downtown Salt Lake City.   We have watched our daughter grow her little business into a wonderfully creative and successful business.  

This week marks the launch of a new location for Blooms. (www.bloomsandco.com)  Change is nerve-wracking, to say the least.  You leave the island of what you know behind and sail toward uncharted waters.  With all its  uncertainty, change, can also be invigorating;  full of energy and hope.  The ability to accept change offers one the insight to see another door full of possibility and wonder opening.

Although this story may sound trite, the realization is really quite profound.  The story begins with a caterpillar named Yellow who was searching for her purpose in life.  After meeting another caterpillar caught in a web of silk, Yellow offered assistance.  The caterpillar explained this web was part of becoming a butterfly.   When Yellow heard the word butterfly, something stirred deep within her.  “What is a butterfly?

The seemingly trapped caterpillar answered that a butterfly was what all caterpillars hope to become.  Yellow did not understand as she looked at her fuzzy worm-like state.  “How does one become a butterfly?” she questioned her new friend.  

“You must want to fly so much that you are willing to give up being a caterpillar.” (From Rina Paulus, Hope for the Flowers [New York:  Paulist Press, 1972].  

“If it’s still in your mind, it is worth taking the risk.” 

~ paolo coelho

Today, I embrace change and look forward to the experiences and wonder that lie ahead.  Today, I honor my daughter and her dream to soar.  Today, I see a transformation - both physically and spiritually.  Net man - We’ve got this!!!