Staying Afloat with Change 🛶

Change is one thing we can always count on in life. It’s ever-present, inevitable, and constant. Yet, why do we label some changes as "chaotic," "uncomfortable," or even "unnatural"? We must reflect on how our minds are, by default, wired for survival, seeking security in what's familiar.

In doing so, we limit our perception of what’s possible. We often fail to notice the beauty of the world unfolding around us because we're too focused on staying within our comfort zones. We allow our subconscious to paint a partial reality full of blissful ignorance and prejudgment.

What if we became conscious of each breath in the flow of change? In that space, we would gain inspiration from new perspectives, knowledge, and opportunities. Just imagine how different our life experiences would be if we embraced change.

Think about your first encounter with a new company, culture, or belief system. Do you recall instinctively rejecting what didn't align with your perspectives? It becomes normal to see the unfamiliar as undesirable.

I remember the first time I joined my team for lunch in France. It was rare to get my designers, project managers, and planners all available at the same time for a planned meeting. At lunch, we were all together at the same time every day! As a productivity champion, I saw it as the perfect opportunity to talk work. 🤓

But it wasn't. The moment I tried, my French colleagues shot side-eye glares, reminding me, “This is lunch, not work.” For weeks, I felt frustrated and confused... until I didn’t. I began to join the conversations. I learned about hidden gems in the city, the most scenic vacation spots, and joyful stories about my colleagues’ families.

In a short time, I found myself looking forward to those long lunches, and even more so to the café time which followed. I witnessed the trust between my team and me grow exponentially. Many planned meetings became unnecessary and our calendars opened up. I was amazed at how my colleagues naturally stepped up, taking on more responsibility and leadership.

By letting go of some of my biases and preconceptions, I gained fresh perspectives on life. I learned that it's better to “work to live” than “live to work” and saw firsthand the powerful productivity that comes from investing in authentic human connections.

Today, a friend shared the wisdom that change flows like a river—if we hold onto the weight of old baggage and limiting beliefs, we’ll sink. But if we let go, we’ll freely ride the current and find our way to new horizons.

I'd rather keep my head above water, floating in a boat of vulnerability,

than drown in an echo chamber of disillusionment.

And if I have a fishing pole in my hands, even better. 🎣

Let's stay afloat together! 💛 Until next Golden Trifecta Monday!

© Nuri Dimler 2025