Captain’s Log: Day Two
This year hits different.
One would think that the comforts of tradition brings forth ease. Isn’t that what traditions are designed for? Familiarity.
We celebrate with lights. Family. Food.
Strangers become friends. And friends become family.
But these celebrations are not like a party. We come together deeply in thought, reflecting on life, focusing on change.
We come together in prayer.
How can we better ourselves?
Where can we grow stronger?
What can we let go?
Change…it’s always easier said than done.
And just because we recognize a need for it, it doesn’t mean it’s there.
Admitting it is the first step, they always say.
But what am I admitting? Flaws in my character. Flaws in my actions. Flaws in the way I think. Very few like to admit when they are wrong, as hard as it is, this is something that needs to change too.
Is the way we present ourselves really who we are? Or is it how we think they want us to be?
We live in a culture where they say, “Don’t ever change. Stay who you are. You don’t have to be something for anyone else. Be you.”
Why?
What’s wrong with change? Why are we so afraid of it? By simply telling us not to change, are we not being something for you?
Is us “staying the same” what’s easier for you? Are you more comfortable that way?
One must ask, does staying the same facilitate a better life…better world?
This notion of avoiding change is nothing more than avoiding growth. And avoiding growth is feeding into a world that is “all about me”.
But it’s not about me. It’s not all about you, either.
What it is about…is us.
Humanity.
As a people, we need to change, we need to grow.
We need to step outside ourselves, embrace our flaws, understand them, learn from them…change them.
For it is this change, this struggle, this self reflection that helps reform the world.
Sometimes the scariest things in life are things we see in ourselves. “How can I be different?” is a much harder pill to swallow than me thinking about how you can.
But it is far more effective.
We will ways be more comfortable pointing fingers. It’s you… you… you…is really saying…”It’s all about me.”
We can call out the world for how awful it is, but isn’t it us that is the world?
Aren’t we the ones responsible for it?
What do we really fear? Change…or the results that comes from it. A shift in tradition. A shift that might make things a little uncomfortable for me but a lot more comfortable for you.
Don’t fear it.
Embrace it.
Because often not “staying who you are” ultimately makes things better for everyone… including you.
