“When we accept the fact that the only constant is change, we’re no longer willing to do damage to ourselves and others by refusing to accept it.  Welcoming change is welcoming life.” Anne Wilson Schaef       

I came across this quote the other day and it was so fitting for my thoughts recently. Change occurs whether you like it or not. Sometimes we force change. Other times it comes upon us suddenly with no warning. Change can be exciting and wonderful, but conversely it can provoke stress and frustration. Some people are able to roll with change while others falter.

I was visiting with a very dear friend over the weekend. When I told her of my intention to pursue a Master’s Degree she said, “You definitely don’t remain static.” I had never heard myself described that way, but she is right. I’m constantly in motion whether physically or mentally. I can enjoy the present and be in the moment, but I do contemplate the future and try to be proactive, making positive changes happen rather than waiting for things to change on their own.

Life is changing here, in small but exciting ways. I have an appointment on September 19, 2011 to meet with the assistant director of the RN to BS program at a local college. She will review my transcripts and we will discuss the RN to BS program as well as the Master’s in Nursing program. I would rather not obtain another Bachelor’s Degree, but if I absolutely have to have the Bachelor’s in Nursing I will do it.

I am transitioning into some dietary changes that I will post about soon. This is something I have been thinking about for a long time, but it’s time for action. There are also big changes involving my son’s diet which I will also write about separately. 

On January 8, 2012 I will be running the Disney Marathon. I finally sat down and mapped out my training plan based on Hal Higdon’s Novice 2 Marathon Training Plan. Although it is a little early I officially started my marathon training on Monday. I wanted to get back into a running routine as soon as possible and the early start also allows me to increase my mileage at a slightly slower pace. I’m so excited, but when I looked at the completed calendar which takes me all the way to January I felt a little nauseous and very nervous. I thought, what on earth have I done? My family is all on board and ready for the changes that marathon training will bring to our life.

The last thing may not seem like a change but to me it is. My Dad sent my husband and me an early birthday gift. Our birthdays are at the end of August. A few weeks ago we received a Canon EOS Rebel T1i dSLR camera!!! I am beyond thrilled. We have wanted one for a while but one of the reasons we haven’t purchased one is the lack of time to devote to learning how to use it. While it may not be giant on the scale of change I am determined to set time aside to learn how to use my new camera and hopefully I will also learn a thing or two about photography along the way. I am on the lookout for any local dSLR workshops or classes.

I have spent my fair share of time sitting on the sidelines because of poor body image, insecurities and lack of confidence. I don’t want my son to know that person. Throughout this past year I feel like I’m much more a participant of life rather than an observer. There is so much I want to experience but if I sit around waiting for those experiences to happen to me I could be waiting forever. So as I bring about these changes to my life I welcome the learning and growing that will take place along the way. Life is busy, but good!