Change

Introduction

Change is the only constant in life.

• Every now and then, you will be surprised to hear that some of your long-lost friends have moved on to the next stage of life (e.g. getting married, raising child).

Yet, we often find ourselves stuck in the same old routines, living happily within our comfort zones.

• There is a fear of making regrettable decisions that could potentially make our lives more miserable.

NOTE: Change, though challenging and uncomfortable, presents an opportunity for growth.

The Fear of Change and Cynicism

When faced with tough situations, change is necessary to overcome them.

• Without change, we find ourselves stuck in the same cycle day after day.

However, change is not easy and is filled with uncertainties, much like walking in the dark and exploring for a way out.

• The fear arises from our inability to control or foresee the outcomes, causing us to think of indefinite negative possibilities that may never come to pass.
• This, coupled with self-doubt ("I am not good enough", "So-and-so is better than me."), can immobilize us, making us play the paralyzing "What if?" game

So, should we stay with what is safe, letting opportunities slip through our fingers? Or, is it time to take action and start making a difference?

• Taking a step back and considering the potential benefits for ourselves - what we truly want and what we no longer tolerate - is crucial.
• Often, it is our own thoughts that create the greatest limitations.

Accepting Life as It Is

There may be times when you put in all you efforts to conquer a fear or make a change, only to find that your efforts seem futile like trying to build a sandcastle in a hurricane, leave you feeling disheartened.

• Logically, you know it is time to let go and move on. However, there is still the slightest hope that you hold on to.

Learn to accept the things you cannot change, including the situation itself.

• You need to accept that the people you like did not return your feelings, your job is demanding and there are people who are deceiving you.
• You may not like what is happening, but should acknowledge the reality and choose to focus on the aspects you can control.
• Stop overthinking, let things flow and be positive.

While it may be difficult, set a time frame for yourself to transition.

• We could have been waiting all the time in life, being an examination result or a departing flight. But, we could not wait for forever.

Remember to Smile

In life, there are things we need to let go of and things we need to hold onto forever.

• Hold on to your self-worth, humour and hope!

Your life is not a dead end. There are always others facing worse situations right now, such as natural disasters or living in war zones.

• Happiness is a matter of choice and it can be as simple as enjoying a sweet treat, sharing a smile or offering a hug.

Remember that health is the greatest wealth!

• Being able to sleep at night, walk without pain, eat and enjoy food is a blessing in disguise.

Summary

Surprisingly, humans are good at adapting to changes.

• While the implementation of contactless ordering via QR codes in restaurants may have seemed unimaginable before, we are now living with it. Nonetheless, it does pose accessibility challenges for some elderly and low-income individuals.

In life, you cannot win everything, so learn to choose which battles to fight, and which to let go of.

• Remember, letting go is not about surrender; it is about strategic redirection.
• Instead of fighting every tide, learn to dance with the waves. Let go of what you cannot control and focus your strength on navigating towards your shore.