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From: Ellen-Marie Silverman
Date: 09 Oct 2010
Time: 07:50:59 -0500
Remote Name: 205.188.116.197
Julie, nice to hear from you! Thanks for taking the time to share some of your thoughts about change. You ask whether one time may be better than another to deliberate begin this rigorous process. Not pretending to actually know, I would guess as soon as possible. But the reality is that most of us, busy as we make ourselves seeking tangible signs of success, do not really think about it until life (with our help usually) pulls the rug out from under us, and we are given the opportunity to start fresh, so-to-speak. /// Sorry, I didn't mean to put things seemingly so grimly, certainly not this early on a Saturday morning. It's just that few of us ever consider changing until we run into a wall, usually of our own making. The upside of that is that we can take that opportunity to learn what didn't work for us and reconsider what can. And I think, as we reflect on that and search for a more satisfying way of being, we eventually recognize it involves becoming better acquainted with who we are. The process may begin with a shattering event or by slow percolation of the belief we can are more than what we think. So, the long and short of an answer is: I don't know. I think the earlier the better because there is less to renounce, but I'm fairly confident that, deep within, each person knows that for her- or himself. /// Oh, one other thing: I think anyone consciously undertaking the process will tell you if you start, don't stop. Just keep going no matter what. It is hard at times, but not always. And it need not be grim. A few minutes a couple of times a day spent in reflection, maybe journaling will be very helpful for those of us living in this busy, fast-paced world. And retreats can be very helpful. /// Thank you, Julie, for your thoughtful question.