Somewhere between flipping through the calendar, and switching from morning workouts to morning layers, I’ve been thinking more and more about change.

Changes in the weather.

Changes at work.

Changes in the mirror.

Change can still be scary. I like the comfort of routine–same alarm, same clinic, same running path, same shoes (until they wear out). But as I get older, I need to start embracing change more—especially when I am looking in the mirror. This week I had a dermatologist appt and had a lot of precancerous lesions on my face. I got them treated with liquid nitrogen, and you get red, blisters, they peel. I don’t even want to look at myself in the mirror with this appearance, and yet I still have to find a way to go see patients and be in front of people. I will say, I brought up with every patient this week the importance of keeping an eye out on changes in your skin. Do it now or face bigger issues later. I keep telling them that, but I am also trying to convince myself of this as well. I am working on trying to realize that change should not be something to fear. It’s something to befriend.

Because the alternative to change…is stagnation. And I’d rather bend then break.

I do have at least one constant other than change–my dog Dakota. She is always by my side. Always there to greet me. Always there to love. Having a dog is so rewarding.

Some changes arrive like a lightning bolt: A diagnosis; A loss; A job shift; An exercise streak that gets interupted.

Others tiptoe in: New joint pains; a role that slowly evolves; A child who is now the parent of your grandchild.

Change is like the weather. Each day is different. But each day brings about a new appreciation for what is out there. You don’t have to like every change. But you do have to face it. Control what you can: your mindset, your effort. (Even if you have to keep reminding yourself as well!) Let go of what you can’t: the outcome, the timeline, the past.

The finish line always moves! In running and in life, I’ve learned this: the finish line shifts. And that’s ok. Maybe the PR (personal record) is gone–but the joy is still there.

Maybe the job changes–but the mission remains.

Maybe the body slows down, or changes in appearance–but the spirit can still sprint.

Many times, you feel like you have to change, and either choice is not good. I have always loved this cartoon. It really does sum some things up.

But change does not always mean the outcome will be bad. We may think it is at the time, but funny how things tend to work out, and you move on. Do we make mistakes along the way? Please! We are all human–we make mistakes. What do we do to correct it, or admit them, that is another story. So I suggest we make a change on the door signs above and have it state: “Changes if you do” and “Changes if you don’t”. Changes coming are a constant. What’s changing in your life right now? And more importantly–how are you changing with it?

Let’s not resist change. Let’s grow through it. Let’s be flexible, faithful, and curious enough to see what’s on the other side. Because the goal isn’t to avoid change. It’s to “strive to survive…and maybe even thrive through it.” Keep moving everybody!

Dr. Dan

Consecutive Exercise Day of newest streak: #613