Excerpt from Daily Cures, Wisdom for Healthy Aging by Connie Mason Michaelis
Two powerful motivators press us, even force us, to make decisions. We either go forward in life making changes based on being inspired by a new thought or find ourselves being pressured by a situation we can no longer tolerate. A wise person said change occurs when the pain of remaining the same is greater than the pain of change. All of life’s events seem to fluctuate between these two forces. Most of us would agree that being inspired to make a move or take on a new challenge seems like a healthier way to live. Why is it that we so often wait until we are compelled to act? Looking for a new job because you have a dream of a better life beats waiting until you are laid off because you’ve shown no enthusiasm for your current employment! The energy that is generated by aspiring toward something new is tangible. Think about the excitement you feel while packing for a vacation. You might have the energy to stay up half the night to be ready to leave town. The opposite may be true when you get home, and you face the job of unpacking---there’s no burst of energy because you no longer are inspired, it’s just laundry.
In the world of senior transitions, we see these same motivators operating. There are emergencies when families are desperate to move their parents because of an impossible situation at home. In contrast, we meet Elders who make informed decisions over time, and this creates enthusiasm for a new chapter in life. Downsizing and transitioning can be less stressful when approached with inspiration. The enthusiasts are looking forward to leaving the home maintenance, housekeeping, and cooking to someone else. The inspired person feels empowered to make a decision, whereas the desperate person feels deprived of freedom. Let your life be led by inspiration!
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