2016-a review

 I Find it interesting how those in  leadership whether it be state or church think 2016 was one of the most negative years they have experienced. However, what 2016 was about was massive change and with it an opportunity for growth. Change is inevitable and when you try to hold on to the status quo because you have built your self identity and life around it, it becomes a struggle. Any reality you have built is temporary. As you change and grow out of the comfort zone you have created, the concept of who you are changes and gets challenged. That's why when someone in the family for example comes out with a radical or different plan which will challenge the status quo, others feel uncomfortable and try to stop them through teasing or undermining them. It's fear based. Change is fine with all of us if we are in control of it! If not it can become scary and make us feel uneasy. Change is however uncomfortable as it is unknown. We are stepping in to new territory when our very identity will change. What we need to do is face change with curiosity and stand back from it to see what happens before we react, even for a few moments. That way we can make decisions from a place of calm not chaos. It isn't easy however but always worth a try! That's where mindfulness can help when you are going through changes as it gives you breathing space.