Change

Well it is all happening tonight.  It is a get together dinner for me birfday.  By the way it is not to late to send presents.  Even though the time has passed, the window of opportunity to give has been extended.  For a limited time.  Only until the end of the year, so be quick.
This getting together for dinner to celebrate birfdays has become a bit of a tradition for us.  If several people have birfdays around the same time, we tend to combine the dinner.  It is really any excuse for a feed and get together.
Not all tradition is bad.  There are those that treat it like a dirty word.  It is understandable when I know how frustrated I am when Excel changes, and I need to adapt.  It is not like I have a choice.  Either I learn how to use it, or never use it.  It is the same with a lot of computer programs.
I am not big on change for changes sake though.  When I can see the improvement, I will embrace it (sometimes kicking and screaming).  I think of good and best.  Often times something is good.  It does not mean though it cannot be improved upon.  That is when I go for best.  Many of the computer programs I deal with are like that.  The way they work is good.  Changes make it better.
Just because I am used to some way does not mean it is the best way.  I am in my comfort zone working with it the way it is.  Change involves stretching.  Anything new is new and requires a new skill.  Often it is a tweaking.  Sometimes it is a new thing altogether.  As usual at that point, I can choose.  Go with it and grow or stay where I am and remain comfortable.  Sometimes though, a failure to embrace change sees me passed by.
Changes are sometimes made for no other reason than a change is perceived to be a good thing.  To me not all change is good.  It is up to me to discern if a change is a bridge too far or not needed.  I can become “changed out” if not careful.
I need continuity.  I need familiarity.  I much prefer to make changes from a solid base then make changes from insecurity.  When swimming I like to go from the shallow end to the deep end rather than be plunged straight into the deep end.
They reckon “inch by inch, everything’s a cinch” (I don’t know what we would say now we use centimetres).  I am one of those “slow and steady wins the race” type of people.  I am really wary of change that is seen to be needed in a hurry.  Often it is ill-conceived.  It may not be, and I may come around, but my first instinct will always be to say no and then think about it.
I have my own way with email requests.  It is not fair to ask someone to make an instant decision on something I have given a lot of time and thought to.  To me, others need to have the luxury of time to consider.
Things do not stay the same for long.  There are heaps of challenges, but I do like what Victor Hugo said “change your opinions, keep to your principles; change your leaves, keep intact your roots.”  I could add “where beneficial change my way of doing things; keep the goal the same.”