WHY SETTLE FOR CHANGE WHEN YOU COULD TRULY MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Were we to live in an ideal world, everyone would focus more on new beginnings than on conclusions or endings.  “Drawing a line in the sand” would define more our intent to move forward than to keep us from stepping back – to establish that we are initiating a new path or direction as we seek a different destination rather than highlighting where we do not want to be.  Far too often, however, people think that closing one chapter is more important than opening the next – that finding closure is somehow more critical than initiating change.  I would disagree, preferring to think that drawing a line in the sand should serve as a springboard that launches you towards the discovery of a not-yet realized reality existing deeply within your imagination rather than as a perceived barrier to keep you from falling back into your old ways.

In any decision we make or action we take we should always reflect upon successes and failings in the past while seeking to clearly differentiate our dreams and/or goals from our present realities before intentionally acting to bring them to fruition as we seek to make a difference.  Allow each day’s sunset to bring closure to life’s challenges so that morning might offer a fresh new beginning – whether it be a new project or simply a different perspective that transforms frustration or ambivalence into opportunity.  Far too many well-intended individuals stagnate as they cross their line in the sand because they were more concerned with enacting change – with stepping away from unwanted actions or results – than they were with charting a new path and moving forward towards a new destination.

The next time you draw a line in the sand, think about the new realities that you wish to establish or bring to fruition through the actions you will be taking rather than focusing upon what will no longer be done because you stopped performing or acting in a particular way.  One cannot drive safely or reach their desired destination by constantly looking in the rear view mirror.  While they CAN focus upon where they have been they CANNOT focus upon where they are going.  We build the future upon dreams that become reality – not on the actions taken to avoid negative consequences.  Refuse to live in a world of “what is” and you just might find yourself firmly rooted in one made up of “what if,” “what could be” or “why not?” 

What intentional acts have you taken lately to initiate change – to develop a new path or truly make a difference in where you are going rather than simply stepping away from where you have been?  In the actions that you have recently taken and the changes you have recently made were you more driven by moving forward towards the unknown or were you more motivated by a fear of falling back – of becoming what you were but do not want to be any longer?  Were you more hesitant to let go of “what is” than you were excited to reach out for “what could be?” Were you truly more focused on where you might travel, looking ahead towards the journey rather than simply trying to keep from falling back?  While both are necessary, one cannot make a difference simply by accepting that things must change - he or she must INITIATE and FOLLOW THROUGH on their actions to make a difference.

When you come to the point in life that you KNOW things must change and you REFUSE to live another day doing the same things that bring unwanted (or potentially destructive) results, draw your line, step over it, then move steadfastly forward towards the realization of a goal or the discovery of a new destination.  Refuse to limit your potential by focusing upon what you want to leave behind rather than seeing clearly what you wish to accomplish.  It is only when one truly walks away from stagnation (rather than accepting it or simply stepping aside to avoid it) and chooses to move relentlessly forward towards the possibilities the future holds (rather than accepting continuous disappointment found within their current situation) can the world be turned upside down.  It is then that one can begin to truly make a difference rather than simply initiating a change.