“There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” –C.S. Lewis

Change can be so scary.  The unknown…stepping out…risk!  Even at the smallest levels, change can be difficult.  Yet we all must face change.

Three weeks ago I separated from an executive position with a company I have loved and worked with for nine years.  Nine years of understanding a culture.  Nine years of steady paychecks.  Nine years of relative predictability and special relationships. 

In those nine years, among other things, I developed into a Change expert.  I’ve worn many hats and worked in all aspects of the business, Training, Leadership Development, etc.  However, after experiencing reorg after reorg, and witnessing the impact all changes had on everything from the individual to the company, from the motivation to the bottom line, I realized that change is the constant.  It is in everything, and effectively dealing with change is essential to the ultimate success of the individual and the company or organization.

For years I have known that my purpose is to be on my own, helping organizations and individuals with the God given skills and unique perspective I bring.  Yet, even as a change expert, the thought of stepping out to something new, giving up the security of a nice paycheck and an understood, mostly predictable job, is huge…and scary.  It is something else when you decide to live what you teach to the fullest.

Sometimes though, you can’t ease into things.  You have to take a look at the cliff, and like Thelma and Louise, you have to smash the gas pedal to the ground. 

So you can now picture me in the driver’s seat of a convertible, smile on my face, hair blowing in the wind, as I soar out into the unknown.  With my purpose being to help others deal with the same.

I am choosing to hit the gas and launch off a cliff…and launch my business and purpose.  I am choosing to ride change into the unknown, all the while knowing it is good.  Though it is difficult to take this leap, it is my choice.

Most of us aren’t making the choice about change.  It is happening to us, without our consent. 

It is often viewed in the negative. Yet at the very worst, there is a 50/50 chance it works out for the better.  A person without the courage, skills and support to deal with change has a 50% chance, and I mean chance, that they will end up better. 

I have found that effectively dealing with change moves that bar up to 100%. Meaning, that if a person embraces change, develops the skills, and has coaching and support to manage it, they will thrive in any situation.  Though it may not be what they envisioned, it will be better and to their advantage.

I am excited to start this journey to help others and I’m excited to use my skills to watch my own life change for the best.

Change Lesson #1:  Change is really about turning fear into hope.  In hope you find peace, possibility and action.  Peace, possibility and action will result in growth and success.

It was one of those days.. the challenging kind.  I left the office on a low, leaving my Starbucks cup on my desk.   This is what it looked like the next morning when I took off the lid to wash my cup!  

It made me laugh and was a reminder...  yesterday is in the past, today is a gift and the future always has a bright side!

Go out and make your future bright!!