Change is one of life's few constants. We are, after all, on a journey and,though we may choose our routes and speeds to a certain extent, the start and end points are more or less fixed. Even if we choose to sit down, things continue to move around us.
This year, my eldest daughter is planning to leave home to go to drama school. It is what she has always dreamed of, and I support her whole-heartedly, though there are days when I feel a tinge of sadness. What will life be like without her here, not even local? Will she ever return here to live? Will life ever be the same again?
Of course, nothing ever stays the same and, with the right attitude, every change is for the better, helping us all to grow and achieve.
Similarly, another of my girls is leaving Primary School and starting Secondary this year. I sat in assembly this morning, watching her on stage, reading out House Point totals, and then singing with the rest of the children, all so excited and happy and,yet again, felt a slight sting behind the eyes at knowing they will all be leaving this behind as they enter the more "grown-up" environment of year 7.
Also, although she is very happy with the school she has been allocated, she is the only one from the Primary school going there, so she will be away from friends she has had since she was at nursery.
She, too, will be learning to adjust to grand changes.
For me, I know I react better to change, and its stresses, when I am well-rested, full of healthy food, active and connected, something I achieve through meditation. Also, distraction in the form of creativity, or in doing something relaxing and joyful, makes everything in life feel much better. My next task is to relay these skills to my daughter although, even with all that preparation, there will probably still be some tears shed on her last day.
Still, these changes are great adventures, keeping us all active, growing and learning, even excited. We shall, I know, survive them, relish them, and be smiling at the end.