Yesterday afternoon was spent in the mini-greenhouse we are building in the backyard. There, I read an amusing story (fable) within a story that made me laugh to my heart's content as it revealed one profound truth after another about how most of us respond (or react) to changes that occur in our lives. I was guilty of them, eh!
I heard of the book the other day, and the title intrigued me, so naturally, I searched for it and found a recorded version of it in
https://youtu.be/leDPmQDM660. It was a short read, only an hour long, but it's a true gem!
The parable of four characters who live in a maze (two mouse Sniff and Scurry, and two little people Hem and Haw) illustrates how we establish our routines, settle and become so comfortable, and then when change occurs, we resist it even when it is inevitable.
The story depicts how we overreact or overanalyze the situation, and instead of accepting it and moving on, we become frustrated or angry and often play the victim. We waste time and energy complaining and fretting. We blame others and stay in denial, stubbornly holding on to our beliefs and allowing our irrational fears to paralyze us. More often, the fear we build up in our minds is worse than what actually exists in the real world.
Changing our perspectives and letting go of old limiting beliefs encourages us to do something different and embrace or deal with change better. Well, it also shows what getting past our doubts means for us.
Hurray for change! as Haw (in the story) puts it. Other practical tips from the book include being flexible and not overcomplicating matters. Laughing at your own folly (not taking life too seriously). Anticipating and monitoring change to adapt to it quickly. Enjoying change and savoring the adventure.
And let me end this with a phrase from the parable that stuck with me:
If you do not change, you become extinct.
Change happens whether we like it or not. We fall behind when we resist it. I recommend checking the book out. It's a great read!
