Because change is the only constant in life.
We can choose how and when to change when our circumstances change.
You might have heard of survival of the “fittest.” That refers to our ability to leave our genes for future generations. But that’s not what makes us “fittest.”
Instead, our ability to adapt—to change when the circumstances warrant—that’s what makes us as fit as possible. The more we exercise our adaptability, the more we boost our resilience. That resilience and learning to thrive with change help us survive.
I write a question every week and a monthly newsletter here to explore how we can be more adaptable and resilient. Because if we live long enough, Something Always Happens. The more we explore adaptability and resilience, the better prepared we can be.
My story (in brief!):
I had an inner ear hemorrhage on Sept 5, 2009. As a consequence, I have total hearing loss in my right ear and permanent vertigo.
Over time, I have learned how to manage my vertigo and to compensate for my hearing loss. Because I have little balance, I now use a rollator (4-wheeled walker) as I transit the world. That single-sided deafness is a social challenge. That’s why I organize my interactions so I can hear. I often say, “Let me get on your right side so I can hear you.”
I have learned several facts about disruptive change:
- We can only go forward. We cannot return to the old normal.
- We can create a new normal. We might not create fast, but we can create.
- We are often more adaptable and resilient than we thought.
My guiding principle (first stated on Using the Past to Create a New Future):
You had your old life. You have a new one now. Make your choice to live your new life, not to try to hold onto the old one. It’s a challenge. It’s not always easy. But, if you take that first small step, and ask for a little help, maybe you can take the next one.
About Significant Change
Each week, I ask a question of the week. (Yes, I’m planning on packaging each year’s worth of questions into books. Not yet.)
Each month, I write a newsletter. (Yes, I’ll package these tips and questions into books, too. Not yet.)
Explore Adaptability and Resilience
Consider these posts:
For My Fellow Vertigo Sufferers:
If you have vertigo, these pages have my best information and suggestions from my wonderful readers:
- Seven Things You Can Do to Help Manage Your Vertigo
- How Do You Travel?
- How Do You Dance?
- How Do You Drive?
- How Do You Take a Walk?
Thanks for being here.
The Socials
Look for my name everywhere. And since social media is so—ahem—interesting lately, here are the various links: