The world changes and balances. There is little we can do but adjust and accept. It is funny that as we grow older all the teachings and lessons heard in our youth become true as time and wisdom polishes our understandings. For example, how many times have you heard that “change is the only constant that you can truly depend on”? This is a truth. Change will happen in unexpected ways, and you and I have little control over the events of the universe. 

I have come to understand and even welcome some change. It comes in many forms—some harsh, some sad, some good. However, it is our level of acceptance that makes the difference in staying stuck, adjusting or moving on.

The Serenity Prayer is my mantra. “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” I repeat it to myself to keep my sanity, level my thinking and bring me back to common sense so I can adjust and accept the world as it is. It reminds me that I am not in charge of very much except for myself. 

Currently, I am reading Connecting the Dots: Lessons for Leadership in a Startup World by John Chambers and Diane Brady. In it, they describe disruption as a signal for change, and the wide range of problems that people, businesses, corporations and even countries run into when they fail to change, when they cling to the familiar, when they refuse to step out of their comfort zones. The authors share that in every major disruption, there is opportunity. 

Our world today is going through a major disruption, and the opportunities for doing things differently are everywhere. There has never been a better time to work on ourselves, to adjust our outlooks, to rethink work, to look at gratitude, to get creative, to help others, to do that little act of kindness we all talk about. Has there ever been more time to get uncomfortable? The opportunity to embrace change is here, if we choose to see it.

So, how do we stay sane with the pressure of unknown tomorrows and mysteries of the future? I could speak thousands of words from the philosophies of the ages, but for myself, singing the song “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” works just as well, even if I have to sing it 20,000 times a day. It’s something I can do, and sometimes that’s all I need. 

In peace, love and laughter,

Joe Dunne