Driving Change

As stated in my last blog entry, my recent trip to Jamaica gave me a lot to think about. I met some interesting people and enjoyed diving into the Jamaican culture and all it has to offer.

A friendly Jamaican taxi driver told me she was moving soon to Manhattan. Without even pausing first to consider my manners, I blurted out, “Why?! You’re leaving paradise to go to Manhattan?” She went on to say that she had been there several times and had family there. She liked the life there, the seasons. A Cincinnatian who has yet to stow my snow shovel for the year, I was incredulous: “Why would you ever choose to leave this sunshine?”

And then it hit me. Change. She sought change. Just as the Israelites grew weary of manna, even Jamaicans can grow weary of the sunshine.

Change is good for the soul. With change comes growth and opportunity. When we drive the change ourselves, it can be exciting and adventurous. On the flip side, when change happens to us, it can bring fear and dread. If we leave a job voluntarily, we are empowered, even if we don’t know what our next step will be. If we are forced out of a job, we are fearful, hurt and dejected. The end result is really the same; it’s time for something different. But when we choose the change, it’s a good thing. When it is chosen for us, it’s not.

For some, inertia is the driver, and change is the enemy. Not for me, and not for my cab driver. How about you? Do you drive change, or do you let change happen to you?

Clifford Bailey
motivational speaker, change agent