Friday, February 12, 2010

Ch-ch-ch-changes

I watch the ripples change their size
But never leave the stream
Of warm impermanence
So the days float through my eyes
But still the days seem the same.
David Bowie, “Changes”

I hate change.

That might be overstating the case a bit, and seem completely incompatible with a serial DIYer who is busy changing everything about her surroundings. But it’s true. As a general rule, I resist it like the plague. Ask anyone who knows me in real life.

Getting me to wear something that’s not an earthtone … not happenin’.

Giving up my collection of 80s and early 90s alternative rock CDs … not happenin’ either.

Trying an exotically-named dish with an equally exotic presentation … that’s probably not gonna happen any time soon either.

I find much more comfort in the familiar than is probably healthy, but I’m OK with that. I just am not an exciting or overly adventurous person. I accepted that a long, long time ago.
It’s not that I don’t like new things or am averse to using my talents in new ways. It’s just that whole “comfort zone” thing. I prefer my life to be like that favorite pair of sweats or that tattered throw that you threaten to give up – until you use it again. Then, they’d have to pry it from your cold, dead hands.

But, without change we miss out on a lot, too. You don’t go anywhere new. You don’t meet anyone new. You don’t learn anything new. And then your brain just rots and you die. You miss out. Big time.

And man, I hate to miss an opportunity – probably more than I hate change. Therefore, I must change.

AAAAACKKKK! That’s scary. That's got to be the worst part of change -- fear of the unknown. But … seasons change. People change. Times change. So, for a perfect end to a wacky week, I’m toasting change.

Who knows? Maybe I’ll come ‘round … eventually.

5 comments:

karen said...

Change is on my mind all the time. I want to get a new job, move to a new home or town. But it might be just because I am bored. Than I think all this change might not be good and if I do it what if I don't like it. :(

MonkeyGirl said...

I think this is why you and I are a perfect pair. Earthtones?- no way! Keep the same hair style, shoes or car for more than one season? Forget it! I think change is inevitable and should be embraced with wide open arms!

You know what I told you earlier - and I will say it again - Love ya and go for the change!!

plumbelieve said...

You are kidding, "of warm impermanence,"...you do not even wanna know what words I have been singing all my life instead. :)

I guess I will have to change the way I so loudly and out of tune, sing along with David Bowie.

I agree with Monkey girl, embrace that change. Breaking out of our comfort zone can be a bit scary but remember, if it were easy, then everyone would do it. As it is, only the brave souls who take that first step ever really experience the joy and rush accomplishing something new can bring.

If you want big things to happen, you gotta take big chances. - C. Paul 2004

PB

Vicki said...

What kind of changes? Care to change your scenery and visit DC soon?

NV said...

Karen -- I know how you feel. But, without change there's no progress.

MG -- Thank you! It means a lot.

PB -- That's OK. I'll always remember what Chrissykins thought the words were to "rockin' the Casbah." That one blights all.

Vicki -- The kind of changes that ultimately won't mean much to anyone but me. One of these days, Ill get out your way.