Change Can Be A Good Thing

Change. The word can spark fear in just about anyone. People get comfortable, even in bad situations. It’s human nature to resist change, even when that change can ultimately make the situation better.

As many of you know, I am a Michigan girl. And I’m not just a Michigan girl…. I’m a FLINT, Michigan girl. Flint is the birthplace of General Motors. Yesterday, GM filed for bankruptcy. That is a BIG change from how things used to be around here. I’ve seen the photos, heard the stories, and am sad that I never got to see Flint and GM in it’s automotive heyday.

I was born in the late 7os and the auto industry was already on the decline. But in the 50s and 60s, I  imagine that living in Flint and Detroit would have been the Ultimate American Dream. Not only were there plenty of jobs paying good wages, there were plenty of nice neighborhoods, cultural events, and good schools. People from across America and even other countries came to study the Flint school system because it was advanced and offered so many things.

Plus, let’s not forget that Detroit was home to Motown Records. When you think of a city where you could see clusters of the nation’s top celebrities walking around, your first thought is probably Los Angeles. But in the 60s, it was Detroit.

But change happens, and change it did…

I’m not going to go into how bad things got around here. We all know it did. But there are changes happening. It’s not going to happen overnight, of course, but little by little, Flint is changing. We’ll always have an automotive past, but things do change and new industries come into play.

It’s hard to let go of the way things were and accept new things… but change really can be a good thing! And I think it will be a FANTASTIC thing for my city and state.

At the end of May 2008, I got on a flight in Alaska, which is where I had been living, and after a layover in Chicago, I landed in Flint, Michigan. I was home to see my family and friends. But something else was brewing. I didn’t tell anyone right away, but I was planning on making my “vacation” and extended stay. I was leaving my husband of 10 years.

Talk about a big change.

I’m not going to get into all of the reasons why. I’m not advocating divorce. But I can tell you that I’m a lot happier now than I’ve been in a long time. I’m doing things now that I never dreamed I would have the gumption or courage to do a few years ago.

In my case, change was a good thing.

I’m not going to lie to you. Change is scary. It’s scary every day. Change makes you courageous. And courage helps you accomplish things you would have never thought possible.

If you feel like you are stuck – if things aren’t working the way you want them to in your business or some other part of your life, make a change. Being comfortable will only take you so far. Being courageous will get you to where you really want to be.