Chasing Change
There are four seasons: winter, spring, summer, and fall. Towards the end of each season, particularly summer and winter, I have the same odd but humorous realization. That realization is that it is human nature to want what we cannot have. Or maybe it is just me, who knows.
To explain further, it seems that during wintertime, I long for spring. During springtime, I long for summer – and so forth. I always seem to enjoy each season for about a month or so, and then there comes a point where I begin to long for the coming of the next season. I’m not quite sure why this is but pawning it off as human nature seems like the rational thing to do, right?
My parents have always teased me about how weird I am with the seasons and my wardrobe, and I know why. My wardrobe choices definitely reflect this continuous longing for the season that comes next. During the summer, I wear the typical summer clothes – shorts, capris, and short-sleeves – but there comes a point where all I want to wear is hoodies, long-sleeves, pants, and beanies. Then, when winter comes, it is the other way around. I grow tired of the winter wear and long for summer wear again.
Perhaps, along with reflecting the human nature of wanting what we cannot have, this also reflects a personality type of becoming restless quickly. There are a lot of people with this personality type. They’re the kind of people who are constantly chasing change. I wouldn’t say that my pursuit of change is constant though, hence my experience with the seasons, which are each about three months long.
I do not think there is anything wrong with wanting change from time to time. I think this only becomes a problem when it is combined with impulsivity. Some people, like myself, chase minor changes such as dying their hair, trying a new hobby, or starting a new project. Others might chase the kind of change that is major, such as moving across the country, finding a new job, or suddenly breaking ties with a significant other.
I truly do believe that change is a good thing, but it is important for each person to manage their pursuit of it. The pursuit of change can become somewhat of an addiction. I think it is important to ask ourselves these questions: how often do I desire change, why am I seeking change, and will these changes have a positive or negative impact on my life? Also, am I running from something or running to something?
I am currently in one of those periods of longing for change. I am about to start a new college semester, and the fall season is coming soon with all of its change as well – changing weather, changing leaf colors, the start of a new football season, new wardrobe choices, new activities, and more. I, for one, am excited for these changes. I think that is one of the biggest indicators that it is time for a change – excitement for that change.
Let us enter this upcoming autumn season open to and excited for the idea of change, in whatever capacity that looks like for each of our lives. Not all of us are chasing change, and that is okay, but we should all certainly try to be open to it when it comes knocking on our door.
God bless, Cibola community!