As a new student at Hamline University thirty years ago, October meant experiencing first-hand the Halloween Blizzard of 1991.
Without reservation, I embraced this change of plans. It took away the day’s obligations and provided an opportunity for play.
As an adult with different responsibilities, would I embrace a Halloween blizzard with the same joy? I just might. The freedom from an unexpected clearing of the schedule sometimes brings relief.
What if the change brings more responsibilities, or different duties? Would I embrace it so much? The folks responsible for street clean-up might be excited to get going, or disappointed because they had other plans for their Halloween.
In any situation change really provides an opportunity for something different. We may choose to resist the opportunity or embrace the current reality.
Similar opportunities exist when changes occur within families, businesses, or organizations. Conflict happens when people resist the situation and think “this should not happen,” or “things should be different.”
Yet, things do happen. Healthy people continually grow and evolve, and likewise, businesses and organizations change. This sometimes leads to people finding themselves on different paths and with varying visions in mind.
Change does not make one person or group of people better or worse or right or wrong. Yet, it does sometimes lead to discomfort.
Who likes feeling uncomfortable? Many people are so uncomfortable being uncomfortable that they avoid important conversations or shut down in certain situations.
If you struggle at all with what to say or how to approach talking about delicate or challenging topics, you are not alone. You may choose to increase your confidence by attending an on-line communication class. You may also choose to work with an experienced mediator or conflict, communication, and leadership coach.
Ignoring the way things are usually costs peace of mind and more pain and discomfort in the future. What does it mean to you to embrace the current reality?
