Three Reasons to Embrace Change
Each of us is created by God with similarities and differences. Our internal systems all work pretty much the same, at least in general terms, but we look and sound and act uniquely. This is God’s sovereign and creative plan. Some people prefer dark chocolate over milk chocolate. (These are my people.) Others choose summer beach vacations over winter ski vacations. (Again, these are my people.) According to an online survey, 62% of people asked, do not like change. (These are not my people.) I actually like change. I’m your friend who’s always rearranging the furniture and inviting you over to check it out! But even more than freshening up the living room, I embrace change because it represents transition and adaptability. In my mind, it’s the opposite of standard and boring. Here’s what I mean: when the furniture finds a new spot in the room, the transition provides a new perspective.
From this new vantage point, I have the opportunity to change (or adapt) my behavior. In my opinion, this year has challenged each of us to adapt in our personal lives and our professional lives. Many of us have been sent home to work, along with our children who suddenly became homeschoolers. (Who’s rearranging the furniture, now?) We are developing creative ways to see family members through virtual means or socially distanced on both sides of the windowpane. To say the least, 2020 has forced us to adapt whether we like it or not. Since this is the time and place we find ourselves, let me share with you my top 3 reasons to embrace change.IT’S INEVITABLE
Whether we like it or not, change is inevitable. Some will feel more positive than others, but they’re coming no matter what, so let’s embrace them. And as the saying goes, “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em”.
IT’S AN ADVENTURE
Google defines adventure as “unusual and exciting.” Taking a leap of faith and embracing change can lead to a life of surprising and satisfying joy. This has been my experience recently as my family moved 900 miles from our 20-year home in Virginia to our new home in Florida. Of course, I failed to mention that Google’s definition also includes, ”typically hazardous.” The adventure may have some risks involved, but I encourage you to weigh the risks of despising change against the risks of embracing change. One brings strife and the other brings joy, if we keep the proper perspective.
IT’S A GROWTH OPPORTUNITY
C.S. Lewis was quoted as saying, “There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” This is where the rubber meets the road. On the journey of life, what peace we have when we know that the best is yet to come! That what lies before us is better than the past. Depending upon your season of life right now, this may challenge your thought process, and that’s ok. This is how we grow and mature. This is why embracing change is important. We weren’t created to remain the same, but to glorify God in every season and every situation.
In the Bible, we read that we are made new when we place our faith in Jesus – that the old has gone and the new has come. We gain a new perspective and everything changes. This miraculous change brings us eternal life, and from this new vantage point, the future is extremely bright!
Amy Stafford is the President of Body & Soul Fitness, certified personal trainer, ACE faculty and ACE Group Fitness Instructor. She is a leader in the fitness industry and is a popular speaker for women's events, retreats, fitness conferences. For information on booking Amy for your event or for an interview please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Amy currently resides in the Panama City Beach, FL area.Body and Soul® Fitness is an international Christian fitness organization that trains and equips instructors to lead a variety of group fitness programs including choreographed aerobics-style Cardio Strength & Flexibility™, cardio dance style Dance Blast™, free-weights-focused Power Strength™, boot camp style FIT360™ and Longevity FIT360™, and GOLD™ - lower impact programming for participants that are pregnant, have weight challenges, injuries, or other medical conditions. These exercise classes meet in church gyms, community centers, gymnasiums, parking lots, schools, etc. across the United States, Europe, and Africa. In-person and virtual fitness classes are available.
Key words: Christian fitness, women's exercise classes, group fitness, dance aerobics classes, Christian group fitness, Christian fitness app, FitTV, Body & Soul, Body and Soul, fitness instuctor training, low impact exercise
