I always wondered where the formal rule book was. Every one seems to imply that there is a written book full of rules that we must follow to be who we are. I am reminded daily of these rules and I wish someone would just hand me the book so I can study it. I learned quickly that there is no book because these rules are “unwritten” but everyone knows them….except me apparently.

In the past week, I was told all these great rules to help me achieve a better life. Every one of them has nothing to do with me but what “others” (I do not know who these others are but they are a powerful bunch) want me to do.

Well this group of “others” haven’t invited me to lunch so I say screw them! I am throwing their rule book away. This is my life and I am unique. There is no book of rules that is going to cover how I live because I am the first to be living my life and I will be the last. I am creating my own rule book which allows me to be me. Which allows me to be happy and allows me to love, laugh and LIVE!

I encourage all of you to throw out the rule book as well. Who needs it? It is heavy, drags you down and makes you live for “others” who no one particularly likes! It is time to take control of your life.

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Today is Election Day in the United States. I do not care who you vote for as long as you take the time to have your voiced heard. VOTE!

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Change is a part of life.

I remember being in elementary school when a guy came in to talk to us about the future. He said we would no longer use money and we would all have chips in our arms that we would wave in the air over a scanner to pay for goods. That there would be no need to for money and everything would be through this new system of exchanges.

I thought he was crazy! There was no way this could ever happen. How would we get rid of money? Who is going to get chips put in their arms?

Many years later, I never carry cash. All my money and purchases are made through a chip, which happens not to be in my arm, but on a card shaped like a credit card. I do not receive payments anymore in check format since they are all direct deposited to my account. He was right. It was if it happened over night.

Sure it didn’t happen  exactly how he or I expected, but it happened. Change will occur and sometimes it happens faster than we expect, but here are 5 ways to better handle change in our lives:

1. Change happens, get use to it - I said it! Change will happen and you have to embrace it. I am sure people did not want to stop using the typewriter for a computer but as you know, you can not find one typewriter in your office anymore. You can choose to fight it but in time, you will have to change or get left behind. Wouldn’t just be easier to embrace change and enjoy the ride?

2. Don’t allow change to control you - If you embrace change, you now are able to gain a better handle on it. Being proactive with change allows you to be part of the process to create change. You can help move it in the right pace and in the right direction. When you fight change, you are pushed along anyway. When you embrace it, you are able help mold the change so the transition is more fluid and comfortable.

3. Focus on one area at a time - Sometimes change happens in so many areas at the same time you can feel like you are losing control. Relax. You have embraced change and you are helping control it but, now you also need to learn to focus on one area at a time. Multi-tasking will kill us all. If you want real results, take on one area at a time. Create goals or a To Do List to help you manage your focus.

4. Celebrate your successes - Change is not easy but it is worth it in the end when you achieve results. Make sure you take the time to celebrate the steps and milestones along the way instead of just at the end. Momentum is a great friend to you when dealing with change. If you celebrate along the way, it will keep you moving forward and achieving great results.

5. Help others handle change - One of the best ways to learn how to handle change is to help others through changes. If you practice being a great supporter and cheerleader for others as they make changes in their lives, careers, relationships, or leadership, you start to see what really works to achieve great results. You can turn around and use these lessons in your own life PLUS you are developing relationships with people who can support you through your changes as well.

Just remember:

Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly

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