"Embrace The Change" by Jaspriya Gandhok

A couple of days ago, I happened to chance upon an article about the singer, Mika, looking for a wife on reality TV and his friend, Shaan, hosting the show to help him find his better half. The article also captured the thoughts of both the celebrities about their journey over the years – and this is where I found an interesting contrast that got me thinking.

While Mika feels that he has grown a lot from his first song, Shaan said that he, essentially, is the same person since he released his first song. This contrast highlighting change or lack of it struck me deeply. Isn’t it important for us to change with time so that we grow in our lives? But at the same time, we also, often, lament how people change with time.

So, what should it be? Should we change or not? This question poses the same dilemma as the one I raised in one of my earlier articles – to go with the flow or against it? Often in our lives, we are presented with contradictory choices, actions, and decisions. How do we know is the right path to take? In this case, should we change or should we remain the same?

Before we attempt to answer this question, we must know that change is inevitable.

Consciously or unconsciously, we change over time. Our experiences shape us and many times, we make deliberate efforts to change. Does this mean that it is a bad thing to not embrace change?

The answer to this lies in another question. What is it about you that is changing or that you want to change?

This knowledge of what is changing or what needs to be changed comes through Self-awareness. Unless you are aware of yourself, you cannot be aware of the manner in which you change. When you are self-aware, you are able to sense the changes that you undergo. You also are more attuned to your attributes as an individual and that helps you to decide what traits of your behavior and personality you want to retain or change. Self-awareness is the first step towards your growth as an individual.

Remember, change is inevitable. However, it does not have to be completely beyond your control or done only for the sake of it. Fuelled by Self-awareness, change can be transformative in the best sense of the word – a guided and well-intentioned force to help you build on your strengths and overcome your weaknesses.

Change what you don’t like, accept what you cannot change!