I think of change as a constant, an ongoing process whether we do anything or not. But since we are here in this life, we act. As individuals, groups and communities, we do influence what kind of change occurs, and at what rate. Rapid change can be very upsetting, hard to process and also liberating, exciting, inspirational.

Change seems a lot like inner guidance to me. It can come gently, by listening to and acting on the first whispers, by talking cheerfully and quietly with others, by listening well to them and the underlying motivators, by celebrating and encouraging whatever kindnesses and powerfulness within them selves they express. Or change can hit us over the head, thunder and crash to get our attention and so on. For very selfish (pain avoidance) reasons, I'm working on the listening, gentler approach!

I believe it is our responsibility to act as best we can imagine with the information and perspective we have, and that is all the responsibility we have in this life. Perfectionism, worry, indecision over fear of mistakes have all gotten in my way in the past; giving them up this year as a 50th bday present! Doing pretty well at it too, given this is August and my bday is in Nov; kind of like a goal to lose weight by a certain date.

My work with people (people with difficult behaviors) is always to encourage positive strategies for meeting human needs. I like to make people happy and reassure them re changes in their lives. In recent years, I've done a lot of elder care and hospice, worked with people dealing with the loss of abilities and even the loss of life. The process of finding peace, meaning and quality of life in those situations is a real challenge.

So lots of abstract philosophy, right? Well, specifically, I am enjoying beginning to teach other teachers and parents games and strategies that help kids (learned a few tips in the last 38 years). Non-violent chase games; games to play when you are tired and kids aren't; playground strategies, issues and activities, and so on. Catching kids being good friends, helpful community members, powerful self-managers, and fun, creative, enjoyable, skillful people!

Started a wiserearth group for ecofiction and other writers/readers (Writers for a Sustainable Future), with a local version for community visioning. That's another way of fostering change. I'm writing a novel set in my neighborhood maybe 20 years from now, another local is writing one set in his neighborhood - it's a good antithesis to frustration over slow change to get to remake  your world your way on paper! And interesting to read other people's visions.

Well, long enough...this was a downtime where I got to do whatever I wanted so babbling away.

Alison