3. Change

 

Change is a friend I invite over for tea.

I tidy the house, boil the kettle, and create a space for her in my life. She might not show up on time. She might make some unexpected comments. But all in all, I welcome her presence.

Today, I invited Change to this blog and deleted the word “Lesson” from my post titles. The label was starting to feel a little redundant and restrictive. And this is a continual process of me doing my best to figure things out. So setting aside that I might’ve violated some rules of publishing, I welcomed Change.

Change is a free spirit.

She shows up on my doorstep uninvited. She’ll break into the house without knocking. Sometimes I’ll get home and just find her sitting there. Surprise!

Now, I’m a Taurus born in the Year of the Ox. My horoscopes usually mention stubbornness and rigidity. I love inviting Change into my life. But when she doesn’t give me time to prepare for her arrival, it takes me a while to open my arms to her.

Why are you here? Where did you come from? Who sent you? The answers don’t always come.

They say expect the unexpected. That’s not always possible. Change is often out of my control.

She might not be convenient, but she’s a great gift giver.

Even when Change shows up unannounced, she comes gift in hand. It can take a while to find where she’s hidden it. And it may not be a gift I want. But it’s usually a gift I need.

Still, the best part of Change is that she’s a lifelong companion—by my side, making me into who I will become.

 
Pei-Ling Lee