A Big Move

I have written before about the importance of embracing change, and — at this very moment — I am getting a big dose of my own medicine. After 36 years in the same house in NH’s western White Mountains, my wife and I are moving 40 miles down the road and closer to our son. Among other tasks, I am struggling to reorganize and throw out many possessions that have accumulated over so many years.

I am finding it time-consuming, but also interesting, to sort through various papers from my career that included 12 years in the NH legislature, serving as NH assistant secretary of state, leading parliament development projects in Rwanda and Morocco, as well as service in the Peace Corps as a volunteer in Morocco and, more recently, as a country director in Ukraine and several African countries. (You can find more about my background at https://www.growingleadershipllc.com/about.)

This experience has been a good reminder that many life details are easily forgotten. I have had many “Oh wow” moments rediscovering various documents – if only there was less time pressure for the move!  As hard as it has been to throw out things associated with my past, I am finding it helpful to reorganize to make what remains more accessible and useful.

It is basic human nature to resist change.  After all, doing things a different way is hard work and some risk taking is required.  Who really wants to go through all that effort with the possibility that you might fall flat on your face? I am confident that this will be a good move for us and am working to keep my eye on the prize, even as I struggle through all the endless tasks.

What changes are you resisting that could make your life better?

We each have an extraordinary opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives, including our own. Don’t underestimate your impact!