I think it is fair to say that 2019 was a year of change.  Not only 2019, but the latter part of this decade has brought on change.  Our world has faced a myriad of changes in so many different forms.  We have had major catalysts such as Donald Trump who have accelerated change.  Like him or loathe him, we cannot argue that he has not been a trigger for change in the world.  It remains to be seen where the changes he has activated will bring us, but I remain on the hopeful side of the discussion.

We’ve seen perceptual changes this past year as well.  One of the biggest forces behind one of these shifts was Greta Thunberg.  This 16-year old climate activist has mobilized a massive amount of people around the globe.  While there is still much work to do here, the fact that so many millions upon millions of people have started to shift their focus to this new mindset is both amazing and encouraging. 

Come gather ’round people
Wherever you roam
And admit that the waters
Around you have grown
And accept it that soon
You’ll be drenched to the bone.
If your time to you
Is worth savin’
Then you better start swimmin’
Or you’ll sink like a stone
For the times they are a-changin’.

Bob Dylan, The Times They Are a-Changin’

On a personal front, this year has seen some change as well.  I’ve had a change of job, I’ve had changes in my own mindset and perceptions about myself and the world around me.  I continue to grow and evolve as a person and do feel that I’m ending this year, and this decade, as a better version of myself than I began as. 

Tout change…everything changes.  That is the one absolute in life. 

I started the year with a post about change.  I thought it fitting to end on a post about change.

It doesn’t take a lot to make a change.  You can change your habits, you can change your career path, you can change your opinion, you can change anything.  I feel that one of the most challenging changes is that of perception and attitude.  Remember that you don’t have to make huge changes to have an impact on yourself of those around you.  Every thought you have, every action you take, is like a drop of water hitting a pool.  Each drop causes tiny little ripples to shoot out in every direction around you.  These ripples can turn into waves.  The more ripples you make, the further it will spread around you. 

It is important to be mindful of what you are putting out into the world.  When those waves hit the edge of the water, it causes a rebound to come back towards you.  What you put out, you get in return.  If you focus your energy on negativity, on pain, on suffering, you will attract that same energy back onto you.  Take the challenge to try to change your thoughts; even if it’s just for one minute each day.  I dare you to try.

After all, what’s the best that could happen?