clippings | juxtaposition

Every change, whether large or small, involves a juxtaposition of different realites - familiar and unfamiliar, routine and wild, trusted and questioned. Often, so vast is the difference between the two that we fear once we allow a change to occur, we will have taken up residence in a different world. Our challenge, then, is to make the choice to not only enter into the new reality but embrace it wholeheartedly.

I have found it extremely valuable to introduce change in smaller quantities, introductions that will serve as practice runs for the real moments when you are confronted with changing circumstances. This can include anything that takes you out of your normal and forces you step into someone else's; get a conversation partner, take a dance class, try that new restaurant and familiarize yourself with the meeting of realities.

The next time you find yourself on the cusp of change, the contrast of old and new won't phase you in the least... or you'll at least be able to hold your tears in until after you get off the phone with your boss who has just told you you've been transferred. Baby steps, people.

Allie

The clipping above was created with images from AFAR magazine, a wonderlister must-have.