The 3 Essentials to Embrace Change with Joy

After a decade plus of wiping little bottoms and noses, I am returning to the workforce, or at least to the workforce that doesn't wear spandex...sort of.  I am completely ecstatic, humbled and nervous to begin my journey as a member of the Indiana University Kokomo adjunct faculty.  Amazingly, the classes I am teaching, Introduction to Health and Fitness and Heath Physical Education Related Yoga, are in my element and pertinent to my life's work and business; this is a gift from God.  Okay, so I will still be wearing spandex to work, though I am excited to have someplace besides church to wear a dress. As the School of Business Department Head was congratulating me on my new position after our yoga session, it hit me that I am not embracing this change with joy.  Time for an intervention:  The 3 essentials to embrace change with joy.

Essential 1.  Celebrate.  Immediately after accepting the position, I started planning my courses, reading the assigned text book etc.  I forgot to celebrate.  There is a reason we formally celebrate birthdays and other rites of passage.  I often reflect upon how God commanded the Israelites to celebrate with various festivals and time off work.  Seems like dinner reservations are in order here!

Essential 2.  Envision.  Often, envisioning how our new life situation will be lessens the anxiety of the change.  The unknown can be scary, even if it is a positive change.  Creating an image of what the change will look and feel like through meditation will bring about peace and confidence. 

Essential 3.  Go With the Flow.  Life is always changing.  Jesus says in John 3:8, "The wind blows wherever it pleases.  You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going.  So it is with everyone born of the Spirit".  This sounds a little chaotic to me, though much more exciting than staying idle.  Winds of change do come, often with force, though if your goals and priorities are in line, you won't get blown away and depending on the circumstance, you might even find joy!