Sea change is probably one of the most apt terms I can apply to my life, at least, in the original sense. I think that it can probably be applied to most people – we gradually go through some scale of transformation based on our lives and times. Like rocks on the shore, our rough edges are smoothed away by time. Okay, perhaps that’s a bit romantic of me (gasp!), but the concept jives well with me. That time and events can eventually make us a different, perhaps better person without changing the core of who we are.

I believe that we have a duty to become better people and citizens of the world, and that means knowing ourselves. Such knowledge is frightening – having to admit that you’ve got flaws can be earth-shaking, especially at the start of one’s efforts. Many of us would agree that we are in a culture where admitting that you are wrong is just an invitation for everyone to blame you – after all, if you were wrong about x, then you’re probably wrong about y, and all of that crap. Responsibility – it’s treated like a dirty word. Or maybe it’s because of fear of failure; in this high-stakes world where we’re all supposed to be perfect all the time, perhaps it is then easier to not try. Positivity, creativity, and wonder are lost to many, leaving them in a starker, narrower world. Why risk what you have, after all?

And yet, most people forget that risk is actually good for them. It’s not entirely their faults; all risk tends to get lumped together and labeled as bad in recent year. There’s starting to be some backlash against this, but it will be years yet before we see a significant impact on society. After all, calculated risk is how we advance the world by doing a simple cost/benefit analysis – will the potential pay-off be worth it? I found a pretty good piece on this exact subject; it’s oriented towards parents, but I’d say that it was applicable to most people:

Why Taking Risks is Good for You
http://www.chicagoparent.com/magazines/chicago-parent/2011-july/features/why-taking-risks-is-good-for-you

And, as defined at Wikipedia:

‘Risk is the potential that a chosen action or activity (including the choice of inaction) will lead to a loss (an undesirable outcome). The notion implies that a choice having an influence on the outcome exists (or existed). Potential losses themselves may also be called “risks”. Almost any human endeavor carries some risk, but some are much more risky than others.’

The very act of living is a risk. Every action or inaction, as said, is a chance to do something different, to effect change in your life. Whether it be stepping away from an argument, or saying hello to someone on the street, it’s taking control of your life and making it your own. Maybe you’ll scare yourself realizing that you’ve been acting jerky to someone, then please yourself when you amend your behavior. Maybe you’ll make a new friend, or find a new place to hang out. Maybe you’ll find tools to help you survive in this rough and tumble world, maybe even improve your quality of life. We’re all going to change to some degree anyways, so why not try to make it good change?

And otherwise, have yourselves a good weekend!

<3