Although there are many instances in our lives where we as individuals believe we are in some sort of control. If you step back and look at these instances, the truth is that we are in control of very little. What we can control is how we react to change as well as those things which we have moderate to a high amount of influence over.

Let’s look at a couple of examples . . .

First, I had always dealt with the issue of high cholesterol. I take prescribed medicine to combat this issue, but historically that alone did very little to change my cholesterol levels. Once I began working out regularly as well as eating a healthier cholesterol friendly diet, my cholesterol dropped significantly. Just taking the meds didn’t control it; in fact regardless of the dosages and types of meds, it was out of my control. But, by utilizing both the meds and elements which I could influence, I was able to change it.

Now, let’s examine the issues I faced with my own weight. This is an “instance” or area in which I had almost complete control. I understood the broad strokes of weight management and what contributed to my body gaining or losing it. So, when I decided that had to change, I was in almost total control. Fortunately, my approach was a healthy one, but still most could control this “instance” by simply consuming less calories than one expends.

There are certainly many things in life that I wish I could control, and just cannot. I cannot control climate change alone (not that my social/cultural behavior can’t contribute positively). I cannot control the differing values of cultures around the globe and the violence which often follows (but again, my social and cultural behavior can certainly make changes on a smaller level). However, it is fair to point out that there are differing levels of perspective of control in all individuals. Certainly people with obsessive compulsive tendencies may struggle more with control and change than those who have a more easy going, roll with the punches type outlook.

Those who know me well, would likely place me in the first category; maybe even say I am a control freak. So, I continue to work on learning how to embrace change and focus on those “instances” which I have some level of control and influence. I do find some comfort in the fact that with regards to my physical health and well being, I have an awful lot of control. But, the challenge of embracing changes continues every day. If you’ve been following along, you know that I am now working with a trainer, Mark. We have almost completed the first month of my new “program”, and boy have there been changes. First of all, one of my goals is now to gain weight. Yes, gain. In fact, our goal is close to 20 pounds. However, this weight is intended to be muscle and added to my body in very specific ways. My eating habits have once again changed, my workout routine continues to change, and the way I have had to learn to look at myself in those regards is obviously changing.

There are two distinct areas I have had to focus on in the last few weeks. First is patience, and the second is learning to listen to my body as it reacts to the changes it is going through. Both are difficult. Patience is absolutely required as it is very hard to stick to a new regimen of diet and exercise when results are now measured in body measurements and muscle development as opposed to looking down at the digital reading on a scale. I completed my new “measurements” yesterday evening, and the largest change was approximately 1.5 inches in a certain area. So, I have to be patient and keep the end goal close at hand.

Listening to my body is also challenging. I have approached the last year in a kind of “rogue” manner. Basically, convincing myself that I could constantly go farther, faster, harder. Well guess what; yesterday afternoon while doing my cardio intervals, I had to stop right in the middle of it. I didn’t feel well at all. At first, I was extremely disappointed, even angry that I could not continue. But, shortly thereafter, I realized that perhaps I had just accomplished something new, something positive and beneficial. I had listened. My body was telling me no, and my mind was telling me go. My body won.

Did my mind lose? No, it did not. My mind listened and learned. I have been continually challenging myself day in and day out. I know understand that this was one “instance” of which I am sure there will be many that I needed to listen to what my body was feeling. Whatever the reason for it, I understand that it is an “instance” which I cannot control completely.

So, back to the importance of this post, embracing change. I could continue to be disappointed and angry, or I could embrace the change, learn from it and have perhaps learned how to deal with it when it occurs. It is a learning process. I have been watching my 4 ½ year old deal with a lot of change lately as well. With his 13-week old sister changing the “energy” in our lives, he also is struggling to find a way to embrace change. It is not an easy process, but one which he will learn from and then understand how to process and move forward through.

Change is not a simple thing.

We must step back and understand it. Once you can do that, then you can regain “control”. . . control of what you do with that change.

Josh – Agent of Change