I don’t know how many times lately I’ve opened up a blank document and tried to write something of value. I start with a pretty good first sentence and then get stumped.
What do I want to write about?
What do people want to hear about?
Can I even write anymore?
Well of course I can. And I’m sure there are plenty of things people want to read about. I think this Writer’s Block, if we can call it that, has something to do with the life transition I’ve been experiencing for the past six months. The framework of “Elite Athlete” that I used to hang my musings on has morphed into “Retired Elite Athlete”, and it’s still something I’m trying on.
What is it about change that totally discombobulates human beings?
Even a change that you know is coming. A change that you’ve planned for, knowing it was inevitable. Albeit, mine came about eight months earlier than I had anticipated. Perhaps the timing of this life change is what really has me feeling like I’m wearing clothes that need to be tailored.
I mention all of this because I know that change is challenging for everyone. Twenty plus years as an athlete and I was still learning and growing, but there was familiarity and comfort. With those two things often comes confidence. When we make changes or when change is thrust upon us, it feels awkward and you have to think way more than you did before. In things that are familiar we flow like in a Waltz, whereas, in change we’re flapping around doing the Chicken Dance. …Wait, do people still do the Chicken Dance?
So, what does all of this rambling mean?
It means that we are all humans. We don’t particularly like change, even if it is positive for us. And, at the end of the day, we get to choose how we experience our change. We can reject it, remain stubbornly stuck in the past. Or, we can embrace it. Find the moments of growth and adventure. Ultimately, as our great pal Rafiki from Disney’s The Lion King said, “Ah, change is good.”