Monday, August 2, 2010

Subtle Changes

Ever notice the difference small, subtle changes can make? I’ve been noticing lately that the tiniest shift in behavior can make a world of difference. The change is probably imperceptible to most folks but they certainly reap the benefits of the outcome.

Take my cabinets for example. I took a few hours this weekend and switched out the handles. No big deal really.
Before:



After:


You can hardly notice the difference. But I can. I like the change. It makes me feel good. It gives me a sense of accomplishment. I smile every time I see what I did. I’m happier and everyone in my house reaps the benefit of that.

For years and years and years (seriously, years) my constant prayer has been for peace. Lord, I just want some peace. Searching for peace. Now, it seems kind of crazy to work so hard for something that I already had. Sort of like the scarecrow, tin man and lion. I just had to tap into it. I told you that since I came home from the spa I have added meditation to my morning ritual. I will not leave my bedroom in the morning without meditating. I need that quiet time. That small, subtle change has had a huge impact on me and that change flows throughout my world. I swear, I don’t think I’ve raised my voice once since I’ve been back. (Lord, if I’m wrong, please bring it to my remembrance).

I have peace.

During my lunch break on Friday I went shopping for my new handles. I also bought a small electric screwdriver/drill. Then I went to Target and bought a new camera. After work I picked up my daughter and took her to the mall because she needed leggings for her step show. Then we went to the grocery store. When we returned home, my son says, “Mom, is the A/C broken again?” I stepped inside the house and I knew the answer.

There are at least three things in the above paragraph that would normally have pissed me off: (1) It took forever to find the handles that I wanted (2) my daughter waited until the last minute to tell me she needed the leggings, and (3) the busted A/C. Well, I did find the handles that I wanted at a reasonable price. I have been raising teenagers long enough to know that waiting until the last minute is what they do. And thank God the temperature this weekend was mild enough that I probably would have turned off the A/C anyway and threw open the windows!

I had a choice to be pissed or not. I chose not. There is no point in getting all riled up over things that really just don’t matter.

I was in church yesterday and during praise and worship the tears just started flowing. It was crazy. I couldn’t control it and then I stopped trying to control it. I was just so happy with the realization that I have peace. That I am exactly where I am supposed to be at this point in my life. I am complete. I am whole. I didn’t have to do anything huge. I didn’t have to move to another state or get another job or come into a large sum of money. I just had to make a subtle change.



8 comments:

ShellyP said...

I really, really like this post. :) Happy for the peace you've found. There's nothing like it. I find it myself every once in a while. lol Still working on just letting it be.

Dogette said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog earlier and congrats on your subtle changes (internal and external)!

Shawn said...

I know what you mean Chele! Just remain faithful to your new habit. I continue to make the mistake of making positive changes M-F and taking the weekends off. Once I take a break from the routine it is much harder to get back into the swing of my new routine.

Kristy @Loveandblasphemy said...

Yes, the amazing light and peace you are looking for is already here, all around you, and within you. You have everything you need right now.

Remnants of U said...

Peace is a wonderful feeling. I'm so far from there right now.

But the cabinet handles take about 10 years off the look of your kitchen.

~Truly Tina~ said...

Great post!

Laura (B Foxy Fitness) said...

What a beautiful post! I'm so inspired by your outlook! You are absolutely right--we already have what we need to feel whole. It's amazing what can happen with a positive, realistic attitude and a subtle change to our normal routine.

I recently started practicing meditation and I know what you mean by creating that mentally peaceful state. I can't go a day without meditating at least a few minutes. It's centering. Love the cabinet handles by the way! They DO change the look of the cabinets! :)

Diva (in Demand) said...

I really took this message to heart Chele. I made my first small change yesterday and each day I make more and more small changes...things that might not be big on the outside but they are definitely making a difference internally. What makes it so good is that I don't feel pressured to make huge leaps....small steps that make big differences. WOW!