We've all experienced significant change at one point or another in our lives. Having your first child. Perhaps college graduation. Maybe falling in love...
These are all moments that require thought, reflection and a choice.
Well, change has come my way, and will radically change the course of my life. I'll be leaving the company I've been working with, for over 15 years and begin efforts to help those who need it the most. It is bitter-sweet. It will be difficult. Root is a remarkable place to work and it is an organization that is truly dedicated to engaging people within the context of their work. It has formed how I think about learning, communication, and life. Although it is unfortunate not to continue working alongside colleagues that I have come to admire, it is an exciting time that is full of hope and opportunity.
This change began building momentum a few years ago with a small 2-word phrase that I heard while meeting with some friends...
"Reject Passivity"...small words with deep meaning.
Generally speaking, we avoid change. Change often creeps up on us, and if it causes us the slightest bit of discomfort, or requires significant change, we will do our best to steer clear.
"Rejecting passivity" requires change. A choice. These words held a lot of weight in our decision to adopt. No longer could I sit by and allow passivity to dictate the narrative of my life. I had to reject it...like the Heisman trophy, forcefully pushing opponents aside.
What's interesting to me is that rejecting passivity, passively, is easy. Did you follow that? We write blog posts, update our status, send tweets. Worthwhile efforts. However, what is more difficult is the activity of rejecting passivity. Look at adoption. Is it easy? Um, no. But wow, let's look at it in the context of the bigger picture...redemption. Seeing it in this light, it becomes part of a much bigger and beautiful narrative.
So as we encounter change, let's not be so quick to run the opposite way. Let's see change in the context of our "big picture".
Change can be a powerful catalyst that reveals something remarkably beautiful. Embrace it.
