All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another.
Anatole France
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For the last few months after we heard the Creative Memories was filing bankruptcy, it has been a process of a slow death to a closure for so many of us that have really loved being a part of this company. (A re-birth is in the future, tho!)   We have indeed grieved the loss of what we have know.  We knew changes needed to be made for some time now, and those changes may come in the New Company launching sometime in November but it is still a loss of what was CM for 27 years. I was with the company for 14 of those years.
 

I have cried, lost sleep, been angry, agonized, complained, encouraged, had tons of conversations trying to explain what was going on to my team and customers, remained hopeful, lost hope, regained a bit more hope and spent many hours on the phone with consultant friends discussing what was happening, what we hoped would happen and what we thought would happen.  We are still waiting  to see what will happen.    

 

The quote above applies to so many areas of our lives.  I realized last night that I said to someone, "I need change, I've never been doing one thing for so long before (meaning CM)."   Then it struck me.  I've wanted change, keep saying I want a change but don't change.  It happens to so many of us.  Fear and un-certainly come in.  What will people think?  Who will I dis-appoint?  Will my friends still be my friends if I do something different?  Will I fail?  What if I succeed beyond my wildest dreams?  Will I be able to handle it?  Am I worthy of success and happiness?  I do realized these are MY fears and concerns and that others in my life do not actually do things to drive those thoughts; I have a great support system. But, my self-talk can be quite harsh!

 

I wish we lived in a society more accepting of people trying new things and changing course often.  I  operate under the old notion that someone who stays at one job for a long time is successful.  As I am typing this, I am thinking that that would have been my Father's point of view but I suddenly  realize the truth is that he was always trying something new, innovating, growing. hmmmm.. AHA moment!

 I know a friend who recently made a change and several co-workers and acquaintances were very nasty about it.  What right do they have to judge someone trying something new that they think will better their lives, even if a short term adventure!   So, self check time....am I being a supportive friend and family member?

 

I admire people that have had several unique and varied life and career experiences.   They have tried many different things and have been successful in all but choose to keep exploring their path.   Who do we know that is doing the same?  Are we encouraging them?   Is this who we truly want to be?  Will our friends and family support us?

 

Even a longed for change will be hard and will feel like part of a life dying.  Many  people are in that position of changing in our world today.  Let's all be sure that we remain positive, encouraging, supportive friends and family.  What can you do to reach out to someone today and say "go for it!  I'm right here for you!"  Have a great week and let's all try something new and support others to join us!

Blessings...