“All change is not growth, as all movement is not forward.” Ellen Glasgow

There was a time that I embraced change, but now that I am older I am not a big fan. Why fix things that aren’t broken? I just don’t get it. You can call me an old stick in the mud, but I don’t care. I like things the same.

Here at Doc’s house things run pretty much like clock work. I get the same dog food two times a day, I play with the same toys, sleep in the same bed and play with the same two dogs that live next door. What’s boring for some folks is heaven to me. Yes I know, change is inevitable and some change is good, especially if it means stopping self destructive behaviors. But I am not talking about the kind of change that improves our lives, I am talking about the kind that is not well thought out and is put in place just because someone has the authority to implement it or they are addicted to drama. Change for the sake of change is a risk that can end up in chaos not just for ourselves but also for those around us. I hate that, it’s so stressful. In a world where things can feel uncertain we need the security of a few things remaining the same. Having some predictability in our lives can be calming.

Since I was a young pup, Doc has tried to teach me and model the importance of balance because there are times that unforeseen situations will throw us headlong into circumstances where we either sink or swim. At those times we are forced out of our comfort zones and we must make a decision. What is calming to me during those times is that I still have some predictability at home with Doc. Its always good to know that there is someone or some place to feel safe when the constant flux becomes too much. In other words, we all need a safe harbor.

So before you make a decision or react without thinking things through or you are faced with new challenge, ask yourself this: will the change I am about to make improve my life and help me to grow? If the answer is no then come sit with me for awhile and wallow with me in the comforting sameness of my beautifully predictable life.