Seasons Of Change
Summer is winding down and fall is just around the corner. As we begin to see the changes that accompany each season I cannot help but think how we as humans also seem to change in much the same manner. Have you ever noticed a tree when it's leaves are just beginning to get that hint of color but are still mostly green...it is as if the tree wants to stay green but knows he needs to "change" colors...eventually he does it in full force but at first the change might be gradual....seen perhaps by only the most observant.
Perhaps you are going through a season in your life where you are changing or are thinking about change and would like to know where you are in the life stages. Take a moment and look through the examples below and see if they ring true for you either now or in the past and remember....life is a constant...it continues on...it is an action...and is to be lived to it's fullest.
Stage 1 (Pre-Contemplation) Nothing Needs to Change - In this stage you might be telling yourself that everything is fine or that you have no problems you need to deal with even if they are beginning to affect your life in negative ways.
Stage 2 ( Contemplation) Thinking About Changing - In this stage you move from the viewpoint of you don't have a problem to thinking that maybe just maybe you "might" have a small problem or area that could use some improvement. A lot of time you still feel you have no problem however and display old actions despite negative consequences.
Stage 3 (Preparation) Getting Ready to Change - Now you have made the decision to change a behavior but perhaps are just not sure how to go about it. An example might be someone who has been abusive to their spouse in the past and wants to change that behavior but is not quite sure how. It can also be an information gathering stage on how to change.
Stage 4 ( Action) Now you are moving toward doing it...You are into actively changing. You are making changes in your behavior and your life and having success with reaching goals whether it is weight loss or days of sobriety.
Stage 5 (Maintenance) Last and perhaps hardest for some. Now you have made the changes and you want to keep them. You are committed to maintaining your new behaviors and do not want to slip into old behaviors or patterns of life.
I would love to hear any comments or questions on perhaps how this has worked for anyone personally in their life.
Brenda
Comment Notification
Subscribe to this post's comments using