3 Truths About Change
*BREAKING NEWS*
Olive Garden changed their slogan!
For years, you’ve probably understood the phrase, “When you’re here, you’re family” as the phrase accompanied with this restaurant.
It’s as iconic as the endless breadsticks.
Are you ready for their new one?
“Go Olive Garden.”
…..
I feel cheated.
My first thought when I saw the new slogan was literally, “Go Olive Garden? What the crap is that?”
I’m stepping out a limb and saying that most of us millennials and anyone older are not big fans of the move.
Turns out they actually tried to get away from the slogan previously mentioned but it was still a similar phrase, “We’re all family here.”
I haven’t dined at this fine establishment in about a decade so I am a little out-of-the-know. But I still don’t like that one either.
Here is my dilemma:
Am I not a fan of the new slogan or am I not a fan of change?
It’s a fair question.
I would argue (with no current facts to back my opinion) that most people would say they don’t oppose change.
I would also argue (with no current facts to back my opinion) that most people who say that don’t oppose change live like they are drastically opposed to change.
The idea of change seems nice. But change itself is not always comfortable.
As silly as it sounds, I’m comfortable with the old slogan of Olive Garden (even if I never eat there).
The new slogan is just simply… not the old slogan.
In 10 years, do you think this will still be as upsetting for some of us?
Gosh, I really hope not!
Some of us will probably still remember what it used to be.
Change strikes a chord with us for several reasons.
Some change that comes our way is more significant than a restaurant changing their marketing (understatement of the year). It could be your relationship status, job, boss, routine, COVID-19, and on and on. However the change was sparked, what we know to be true is that our reality is now… different.
The definition of change is the act or instance of making or becoming different.
A couple of synonyms would be to alter or modify.
We’re acknowledging change and our uncomfortableness with it when we say something as simple as, “It’s not what it used to be.” “It’s not like it used to be.” “It’s not how it used to be.”
It’s different. What was no longer is.
And in processing change, I want to let you know:
It’s okay to Grieve.
It’s healthy to acknowledge what once was. It’s healthy to talk about what once was. It’s healthy to cry about what once was.
What’s not healthy in our grieving is to only focus on the act or instance that sparked the change.
But when processing change, it’s good to allow yourself to grieve.
Naturally, with different comes new challenges and a world full of unknowns.
Uncertainty can bring upon fear, doubt, stress, and/or anxiety.
Change could have put your job security in question.
Change may have suddenly clouded the future of your relationship.
Those levels of uncertainty seem heavy. Not all uncertainty is masked with darkness. Perhaps, a change in direction with your company or organization has occurred and you have to figure out if this is new direction is right for you.
In trying to understand what’s next:
It’s okay to Evaluate.
Ask questions.
Why am I feeling anxious over this recent change?
What are all of my options (financially, relationally, emotionally, professionally, etc.)?
Who do I know that has experienced something similar? Who can I seek advice from?
It’s healthy (and important) to give yourself an honest assessment of what’s happening in order to determine your next moves and decisions.
Uncertainty can be a scary place to be stuck.
Evaluation can be a tool to help get you unstuck.
Over the last few weeks, I’ve heard more people than I count say/tell me, “I didn’t choose ____, but I’m glad it happened.”
In these conversations, I’ve found an overwhelming amount of people who’ve experienced change recently - did not choose the change that they are in.
But in this state of different, all have expressed the new opportunities have been life-giving and life-altering in healthy ways.
It may not have been how they planned to go through this season.
But it’s a season they’re happy to go through.
There’s something about a fresh opportunities that can breathe life back into our lungs that were once held breathless by the thought of something different.
Change has the power to place us in a state of shock, disdain, and frustration…
but new opportunities have the power to give us stronger foundations and help us experience fun once again.
It didn’t and it doesn’t happen overnight.
It wasn’t and it isn’t easy.
It took and it takes time.
In these moments of different and fresh opportunities:
It’s okay to Step Slowly.
Life is not a sprint. Responding to change is not a sprint.
Urgency can help motivate us, however, as life takes turns and we’re adjusting to different - proceeding with caution can be wise.
In the newness, we’re making decisions that are building new foundations.
Choose to navigate it in the best way possible for your unique situation.
Step cautiously but do not forget to take a step.
Whether you stay or go, embracing the future is possible and I will argue, necessary.
Changes, positive or negative, offer new opportunities in which to respond.
We have the challenge and the privilege to grow, personally and professionally through change.
Lastly, I want to share a thought for two different audiences.
Maybe change has you feeling upside down, depressed, or numb… it’s possible to move forward in and on a new path. Change like this may propel you into a journey, a story, you never saw coming but one that will be forever marked by your ability to respond courageously. You have what it takes to respond well.
Maybe changes has you feeling excited, energized, or encouraged… it’s possible to move further and faster than you ever have before! It’s also possible for you to be an inspiration and an encouragement to others around you who need help, support and love in this same season. Live well but don’t forget to help others live well too!
*need support in navigating change? Reach out at chris@allgoodstories.co!