” It is not the strongest or the most intelligent who will survive but those who can best manage change.“
Charles Darwin
How do we let go of old habits? How do we accept change? Just because we always did ‘it’ one way does not mean that is the correct way. If we are going to continually wish for things to remain the same how will we grow?
I remember a person who was the treasurer of the United Church Women’s Group. People gently tried to get her to relinquish her position. She would not. Other members of the executive were the same. Within five years the group collapsed. If we can’t accept change, we become stagnant.
Too often I see young, enthusiastic employees or volunteers try to start a new program or do things differently only to be met with opposition and grumbling. Whether at church, the community centre or the spot you live, we seniors are sometimes seen as blockers or a negative force. “We always did it this way.”
How, as seniors, do we stay fresh and able to accept change and transitions gracefully? I feel strongly that our role now is to be a supporter and a sounding board. It’s our time to step back and let the young become involved.
Remember when you began a new job or started a volunteer position? Enthusiasm and great ideas flowed. Sure we made mistakes, that’s how we learned. Let’s be the wise ones who say “go for it.”
Instead of looking for what is wrong with the idea, let’s look at what’s right. Let’s be looked at as a positive, helpful senior not a grumpy old man or woman. Only we can change the way people view seniors.
They say it takes 21 days to change a habit. Beginning today if a negative thought pops into your head when a new idea is suggested, can you make a positive comment instead?
You can say, “have you thought about…?” or give an opinion, if asked. Let’s begin to be looked on as someone who is thoughtful yet progressive.
Can you go through a day without saying something negative? Challenge yourself to look for what’s right with the world instead of what’s wrong.
Over our lifetimes we’ve seen lots of tragedies and sadness. Let’s not be the cause of someone else’s sadness or stress. Let’s encourage and inspire.
Joan Craven's Blog 
Great article Joan and so applicable for me and mom right now. I read it to her this morning, she liked it. Over the past few days this is mostly what we have been talking about. All the changes in her life and how the people who do the best are the ones who accept change with an open heart. She gets it but sometime it’s just so hard. I counted 21 days from when she will be admitted and that is Dec 15 so I told her by then it will be a wonderful habit. Two days before her 91st birthday.
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Thanks Janice. I was wondering how you were doing. Today is the day I spent with mom before she passed away shortly after midnight early on the 23. So many memories. Your mom is like mine. A positive person and one who wants to look after her daughter. I hope we will be the same.
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Great blog. Let’s encourage and inspire – love it!!!
Sent from my iPad
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