(3 minute read)
I grew up at a time where change was not really encouraged, there was a conundrum between stability and the speed at which the world was turning. As a Gen X, we recognize the necessity of change and the importance of innovation and progress, but often prefer gradual, incremental progress rather than sudden, radical shifts. The strength with which one should hold on to ideas and beliefs, unshifted, was applauded. Staying in the same company, carrier, relationship, or haircut was a sign of maturity. Being able to stay in the same path, with the same goal, through the same roads, resisting trends and fashions was something to develop. Not changing was a positive display of character and a desirable trait.
Change refers to the process of transitioning from one state, situation, or condition to another, it can involve a shift in attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, or circumstances, and can result in a range of emotions, from excitement and anticipation to fear and uncertainty. While change can be challenging and disruptive, it also has the potential to bring growth, learning, and new opportunities. Ultimately, change is an inevitable part of life, and how we respond to it can have a significant impact on our personal development and well-being.
Human beings are creatures of habit, and we tend to prefer the familiar and routine. This preference for the familiar can create a sense of comfort and security, which can make it difficult to step outside our comfort zones and try new things. So here is where my story comes in regarding holding on to a long-time belief as a truth, represented in something small, as all big deals should be. For as long as I remember, I hated honey (yes, sweet golden honey was my nemesis), so much so that anybody who knew me well, prided themselves in knowing this fact about me. I would eat and try everything, just as long as it didn’t have honey. For years, it was the one thing I stayed clear of. Having even physical reactions to its smell and not being able to eat anything that had it, regardless of its countless benefits and magical healing to all throat-cold-cough miracle works. I would have none of it.
Reluctance to change refers to a resistance or hesitation to embrace new situations, ideas, or behaviors. It often stems from a fear of the unknown, a sense of comfort in the familiar, or a lack of confidence in one’s ability to adapt to the new circumstances. Driven by personal beliefs, cultural values, or previous experiences. Overcoming reluctance to change often requires a willingness to challenge one’s assumptions, a commitment to learning and growth, and a willingness to take risks and step outside one’s comfort zone. Or as it seemed to me, a spoonful of bee honey.
There can be several reasons why it is hard to change our beliefs or preferences. One reason is that human beings are creatures of habit, and we tend to prefer the familiar and routine. This preference for the familiar can create a sense of comfort and security, which can make it difficult to step outside our comfort zones and try new things.
So, after 20+ years of my well “defined” hate for it, I found myself at the supermarket staring at honey and snubbing it off as usual, only to hear a voice in the back of my head question: why do I really dislike and disgust at this ingredient? I understand one should recoil with liver or brain, but honey? a sweet, wonderful, and generous element of nature, gift of a flying beautiful animal. Then I realized that I had the habit of disliking it, but the last time I had had any, was probably a decade ago. Somehow it did not seem a good enough reason anymore and went ahead and bought a jar.
Amongst laughter and disbelief, I opened it when home, dipped the spoon and to my astonishment, found it delicious. Had another spoonful and relished on all its flavors and subtleties, it was so good. I couldn’t stop wondering how many other things were “honey” in my life. How many things I had decided I didn’t like years ago without checking back whether that was still the case, how many things had a missed out on just because I thought they were in the list of the things to avoid for a reason that perhaps was no longer valid.
I now keep a jar of honey around, for two reasons, one because now I love to smooth it over a bunch of things and the second as a reminder of my commitment to not being the same person I have always been, I am fully invested into continuously becoming somebody else in the hopeful pursuit of a better version. This requires questioning not only the things you love but all those you say you don’t. Check on yourself often, all the things and ideas you think you are made of, your sacred cows. Maybe by doing the work right, your kitchen cabinets (or your brain or your heart) will see a happy constant rotation as proof that you are challenging yourself regularly and embrace the beauty of it.
