Change is all around us. We see it in nature. We see it in science and technology. We see it in our children, parents, and friends. We see it everywhere and in everything. We know all people and things experience some type of change at some point. Yet, as much we as we know this, we often fail to see changes in ourselves and/or we struggle with those changes we see happening all around us. Why is change, while so common, often the root of so much denial and fear?
As humans, we like routine and predictability. We feel comfortable with familiar patterns and sameness. Even though our brains respond to novelty and new experiences, our emotions cling to dependability and reliability.
We stay the same to avoid the discomfort and pain of change. Sometimes, however, change just cannot be avoided. Additionally, sometimes the pain of change is less than the pain of staying the same.
If we as individuals want to grow and develop, we must be willing to accept that that growth and development is only going to happen through embracing new opportunities and facing new challenges. In other words, making some changes. Some of those changes can be as small as drinking an additional glass of water every day. Other changes may involve greater effort, such as taking a new job or moving to another city or state. Maybe it's change in relationship that needs to happen. Regardless of what type of change we need to make, in order to move forward in life, we must be open to the situations that will allow us to do so.
As we move into a new season of the school year, summer break, we have an opportunity to look back at the changes we have through during the recently completed school year, and we look ahead to the changes we can make prior to the beginning of the coming school year. We applaud our children and students for persevering through their learning challenges and moving on to their next grade level. We celebrate our graduates, Bradley, Brittany, and Dominique, as they leave us to pursue their postsecondary goals-a very great change. We send well wishes to our faculty and staff members who are making professional and personal changes beyond NVS.
So, while change is sometimes uncomfortable and scary, it is also exciting, and a given in our lives. During these warm summer days, let's reflect on how to make change a positive force in our lives.
