Embracing Change, Mortality & Destiny

By McDonald Gurura

For the past decades the ever-changing global climate and weather patterns have been confusing. This phenomenon coined “climate change” has made us experience adverse weather which has directly and indirectly caused loss of life and poses as a serious threat to humanity. Right now, one can’t forecast the weather using historical knowledge of weather patterns. For example, in Zimbabwe, it has been a fact that winter is most harsh between May and July. However, the last few days in the month of August that we are currently in, have seen us experienced cold weather spells typical of winter. If this doesn’t show us that we must learn to embrace and contend with change all our days I don’t know what will!

The statement, “nothing ever remains the same” is constantly proven to us by nature; day gives way to night, even week gives in to month and months make way for seasons. If seasons show us that change is constant and inevitable, why then are we generally resistant to change in life? Why do we often maintain status quo that limits and robs our full potential?

In a classroom how often did you seat around the same area you sat the first days of class, often right? We do prefer maintaining the old circle of friends and acquaintances than making new ones, don’t we? Despite the promise of better living or working conditions we often find change unsettling. We are creatures of habit and I reckon the comfort of the familiar makes us feel secure. Granted, there is nothing wrong with enjoying the familiar however, if it means being comfortable in mediocrity, then there is a huge problem.
Have you been in a situation that you knew was bad for you yet you stayed in it because you were used to it? How many times have you seen or heard of a spouse who remains in an emotionally or physically abusive relationship because they have been in it for a long time. We needlessly spend time braving the prison of the present-known rather than explore freedom in future-unknown.

I invite you today to look at life and change from a different perspective. I urge you to embrace the inevitability of change and the the finality of death. Living daily with the consciousness of change, death and dare I add taxes, will free you to live every single day fully! Countless people when faced with impending death have audaciously embraced change and blossomed beyond their wildest expectations.
Steve Jobs shared some insightful thoughts in a commencement address at Stanford University, the Apple founder said, “If you live each day as if it was your last, one day you’ll most certainly be right”. He went on to remark, “If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today and whenever the answer has been “No” for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something. Remembering that I will be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything – all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure – these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart”.

Regardless how painful and discomforting it may be, are you daily pursuing to become the best version of who you truly are. I learnt early in life to constantly embrace the pain of change because let’s face it, every one of our days we live in either the emptiness of stagnancy or the pain of change.

Now, Fear and resistance to change are often strengthened by valid questions such as, “Where will I live?” “What will I eat?” What will I wear?” What about my dependants?”. Surely though. there is more to you than what you eat, more to your life than where you stay or just getting ahead in the rat race!

I am sure you know people who work jobs they are daily miserable at and some who attained comfort but are not happy with the ultimate outcome of their lives despite all they amassed. May you not be part of that pitiful crowd!

I hope this read provokes you to make the needful changes for the best outcome of your life. If you are already on the change path, may you be strengthened to endure the pain of change!

McDonald Gurura writes in his own capacity,he is a distinguished solutions journalist, accomplished TV anchor, and insightful leadership blogger, committed to fostering positive change through his thought-provoking articles.