{"id":3949,"date":"2023-01-20T11:46:35","date_gmt":"2023-01-20T11:46:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/barnsmokepictures.com\/?p=3949"},"modified":"2023-01-20T11:46:37","modified_gmt":"2023-01-20T11:46:37","slug":"embracing-change-as-if-you-chose-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/barnsmokepictures.com\/?p=3949","title":{"rendered":"EMBRACING CHANGE… as if you chose it"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_id=”canny-blogpost” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row disabled_on=”off|off|off” module_id=”authentology-blogpost” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.14.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Raleway||||||||” text_font_size=”14px” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]

Photo by Markus Spiske<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”20px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”5px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”5px||20px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|tablet” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.14.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Raleway||||||||” text_font_size=”18px” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]

What a crazy notion: embracing change as if you chose it.<\/p>\n

Unless your circumstances are dire \u2013 or you’ve just won the lottery \u2013 change is the last thing you want, right? When everything and everyone in your life remains the same or at least similar to what you’ve come to expect, there are no nasty surprises, no disappointments.<\/p>\n

But nothing and no one on earth remains constant.<\/p>\n

Change is all around us: seasons, jobs, circumstances, health, moods… Everything changes!<\/p>\n

So why not embrace<\/em> change. Just try it. It’s a mindset \u2013 an attitude that says I’m going to try my darndest to make the absolute best of every circumstance.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row disabled_on=”off|off|off” module_id=”authentology-blogpost” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.14.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text content_tablet=”

At age 19, Ru Fitzhenry opened her first dance studio.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

At age 45 she lost EVERYTHING.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

But a lioness doesn\u2019t go down without a fight.<\/span><\/p>\n

Inspiration. Motivation. Hope. You\u2019ll find it all here\u2026<\/span><\/p>” content_last_edited=”off|tablet” disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Raleway||||||||” text_text_color=”#025454″ text_font_size=”22px” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]

Our last 3 Christmases have been very different from all the previous ones.<\/strong><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”5px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”5px||20px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|tablet” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.14.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Raleway||||||||” text_font_size=”18px” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]

Something unthinkable (to me, anyway) happened at the end of 2020; something that caused a deep sorrow that still lingers. And that something caused a major change in my life.<\/p>\n

The change was completely out of my control. I tried everything I could think of to reverse matters, but nothing worked. This ‘something’ is still here, clinging to me like slimy black seaweed.<\/p>\n

So for the last two years I’ve had to work on embracing this circumstance: on searching for, and finding, the positives \u2013 even in a seemingly hopeless situation. And you know what? It helps me get through the day.<\/p>\n

Not only that, this attitude has opened my eyes to possibilities and opportunities I never ever would have considered or imagined<\/strong>!<\/p>\n

Now, listen. I am a hopeaholic by nature. A cockeyed optimist, sure. Absolutely. Always will be. No matter what happens to me, I am keenly aware that there are countless others who have it much, much worse. It\u2019s all about perspective. Right?<\/p>\n

No matter how bad things are in my life, even in the midst of the most awful sadness and grief, I have always had a deep, indescribable, unending joy. And hope. And peace. I absolutely believe things will turn out for the best. Even when I can’t fathom how that will come about.<\/p>\n

But for a lot of people (creatives especially) negativity, depression and, oftentimes, hopelessness, are the norm; and seeing things from a different perspective seems impossible.<\/p>\n

That’s why I’m encouraging \u2013 nay, urging<\/em> \u2013 you to embrace your circumstances! Whatever they are! You might be surprised at what you’ll discover.<\/p>\n

For example, look at all the Creatives who embraced their new circumstances and came into their own during the pandemic! They were either made redundant, or they realised life is short and so they quit the 9-to-5. But because they still had to make a living, and forced to remain at home, they made the decision to do something they loved. They worked their passion, started earning money from it, and were fulfilled.<\/p>\n

Now I know there are those whose circumstances are a lot different; for whom grief is a daily part of life at the moment. I’m not trying to diminish your feelings in any way. I’m just trying to say: this is a season you need to go through, and it’s OK to feel<\/em>. Don’t try and suppress these deep-seated feelings. Just know: it’s temporary. You will make it through. Just hold on a little longer. Take things moment by moment…<\/p>\n

I’m obviously no psychologist; I’m just sharing with you how I’m coping, and thriving. And I hope it helps you in some way.<\/p>\n

It’s so easy for us to be self-focused, self-centred. But if we realise that no matter what we’re going through, there are always others, many others, who are having to endure much worse circumstances, and maybe there’s some way we can help them \u2013 well, that could be the reason you’re alive.<\/p>\n

This ‘situation’ I’m in: at times it feels unbearable. Grief threatens to overwhelm me. But I know: ‘this too shall pass’. And I have a choice. We always have a choice. Do or die. Sink or float. Or swim! Drown in depression or sing through the pain. Wallow in sadness or decide to be grateful for every single thing, every single person, in your life, past and present. It’s your choice.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row disabled_on=”off|off|off” module_id=”authentology-blogpost” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.14.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text content_tablet=”

At age 19, Ru Fitzhenry opened her first dance studio.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

At age 45 she lost EVERYTHING.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

But a lioness doesn\u2019t go down without a fight.<\/span><\/p>\n

Inspiration. Motivation. Hope. You\u2019ll find it all here\u2026<\/span><\/p>” content_last_edited=”off|tablet” disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Raleway||||||||” text_text_color=”#025454″ text_font_size=”22px” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]

Gratitude is my attitude. And hope is my Kung Fu.<\/strong><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Raleway||||||||” text_font_size=”18px” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]

I choose to believe there’s a reason I’m going through whatever it is \u2013 so I can come alongside someone who’s going through a similar circumstance, and let them know they’re not alone. Let them know: there’s always hope.<\/p>\n

I hope I’ve made a difference today, at least in one person’s life. Thank you for joining me. I hope you\u2019re inspired and motivated!<\/p>\n

If you liked this post, please share it far and wide.<\/p>\n

If you have any comments, or a short, inspirational story to share, pop these in the COMMENTS box below.<\/p>\n

If it\u2019s a long story, I\u2019d love to hear it too. Get in touch with me \u2013 pop over to my Contact<\/strong> page \u2013 and send me an email.<\/p>\n

Until next time, take care of yourself, be kind to each other, and consider embracing change!<\/p>\n

With Love,<\/p>\n

Vx<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.14.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.14.0″ _module_preset=”default” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.14.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Raleway||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]

NEXT TIME <\/strong>on The Hopeaholic blog:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

More uplifting content!<\/p>\n

If you subscribe<\/a><\/strong> to my monthly news blurb (it\u2019s free, and brief, honest!) you’ll be in the know. \"wink\"

Links to all my PREVIOUS BLOG POSTS can be found on the BLOG PAGE<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.14.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.14.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.14.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row module_id=”comment-submission” _builder_version=”4.14.0″ _module_preset=”default” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_comments _builder_version=”4.14.0″ _module_preset=”default” form_field_text_color=”#000000″ form_field_focus_text_color=”#000000″ header_font_size=”20px” title_text_color=”#025454″ body_text_color=”#000000″ body_font_size=”16px” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#F9F9F9″ button_bg_color=”#025454″ button_icon=”||fa||400″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_comments][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Call to Action” _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FBF9F4″ custom_margin=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding=”20px||0px||false|false” locked=”off” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding=”40px||40px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.0″ _module_preset=”003e9429-8e11-4d9e-968b-8881092bbf81″ text_font=”Actor||||||||” text_text_color=”#025454″ text_font_size=”15px” header_font=”Actor||||||||” header_text_color=”#025454″ header_font_size=”28px” header_2_font=”Vidaloka||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#161616″ header_2_font_size=”40px” header_2_line_height=”1.35em” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” header_2_font_size_tablet=”30px” header_2_font_size_phone=”20px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” locked=”off” inline_fonts=”Actor” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]

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Photo by Markus Spiske on UnsplashWhat a crazy notion: embracing change as if you chose it. Unless your circumstances are dire \u2013 or you’ve just won the lottery \u2013 change is the last thing you want, right? When everything and everyone in your life remains the same or at least similar to what you’ve come […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3951,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"1080","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,47,35,43,36,42,105,46],"tags":[79,73,76,69],"class_list":["post-3949","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-hope","category-inspiration","category-mental-health","category-motivation","category-true-stories","category-uplifting","category-writer","tag-inspiring-stories","tag-inspiring-women","tag-making-a-difference","tag-mental-health-awareness"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/barnsmokepictures.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3949","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/barnsmokepictures.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/barnsmokepictures.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/barnsmokepictures.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/barnsmokepictures.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=3949"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/barnsmokepictures.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3949\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3962,"href":"https:\/\/barnsmokepictures.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3949\/revisions\/3962"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/barnsmokepictures.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/3951"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/barnsmokepictures.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3949"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/barnsmokepictures.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=3949"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/barnsmokepictures.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=3949"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}