Lifestyle changes can have a lasting effect on us, and change is one of the things we seem to encounter the most. The initial change we experience is our birth into this universe and from there we go through various cycles. As children, we seem to flourish on change as we investigate our world. As we age and become settled down emotionally, we tend to desire details to remain the same. We discover a comfort zone that is loaded with voids, and we set out to determine what is missing in our lives. With each change, we learn and grow, discovering who we are and what we need. We bring about some changes, and some seem to come our way without our agreement. The latter changes we conceive are the most discouraging, but the lifestyle change itself is what affects us.

With each change, we feel obligated to adapt to our circumstances. We somehow sense or believe that it will simply take becoming accustomed to the new puppy, for example. We must change our lifestyle and the way we invest our time and money, rather than conform. This also applies to a new baby, entering college, a different occupation and more. Change is something that we thrive for and sometimes regret too. Without it, we would become bored, and live uneventful lives. Therefore, as we set out to decrease the voids that we sense in every fiber of our being, we add stress to our lives. Good stress is still stress, and the pressure is the demand to change our lifestyle.

Sometimes change seems outside of our control.

I know of a person who is seventy-four years old and her husband is suffering from dementia. The changes that she must implement when it comes to his well-being are quite more than an adaption. She must now thicken his fluids and puree his food and there are many issues that she contends with daily. This is a complete lifestyle change for her; bless her heart she is managing well, for the most part. The frustration of these changes is the direct result of her decision to care for him at home. Therefore, you see; it is actually within her control, even though she sometimes feels forced. As she tries to adapt to this new lifestyle, she experiences the pressures of the demand to change.

If we try to adapt rather than change, resentment and regret grab hold of us.

There is a significant difference in changing and adapting. When we change according to our circumstances, we are doing what we desire, even though it is difficult. When we attempt to adapt, we feel invaded and forced to live up to what we think other people expect of us. Adapting is something that animals are very good at, but we have a strong need to control. This need to control our lives is what enables us to change and enjoy the changes that we implement. We have the ability to make decisions and change our lives accordingly and willingly. Living with our decisions challenges us and denying that we made those decisions does cause resentment. If we try to adapt, we might, in time regret the decision we made that caused the demand of a lifestyle change.

Get prepared for change and look forward to all that life is offering, because it is inevitable! Recognize that you are changing daily, and that you truly are doing more than adjusting to life. You are living life and what a wonderful journey it is. Discover the joy of living in an ever-changing world and experience life as you explore your world. Soon, you will realize that the void you perceive is nothing more than a desire to love unconditionally.