A new word that I’ve learned is PARADIGM SHIFT. Well,
heading to the trusty (?) source of all knowledge…the Internet, I found this
definition: a change from one way of thinking to another. It's a revolution,
a transformation, a sort of metamorphosis. It just does not happen, but rather
it is driven by agents of change. (www.taketheleap.com)
I remember going through a change of thinking when I
left high school and headed to college. With childish expectations, I thought I
would live the fairy tale.
Surprise-I found that not every experience or person I met was positive
or supportive. The world was challenging. Learning that expectations are
pleasant dreams you hope will come true, it was time to grow up, regroup my
look at life and move forward with new goals-a paradigm shift. 
Maybe
this is what fuels the rebellion of teenagers and young people? As they look at
the adult world, their disappointments can turn into anger and lashing out at
the society they harshly judge. It’s NOT FAIR. Why can’t life be easier? Many
escape into drugs or suicide, but for those willing to go forward the real life
education happens in the day to day experiences of trying to find self, a
purpose, a way to improve and develop their abilities. A change of thinking
from one way to another is needed.
In
our strident world, it’s not easy to find your voice amidst the many competing
issues and upheaval. How you cope with the violence that surrounds you and
fills the newscasts and air waves? Why can’t everyone find a soul mate, a
fulfilling occupation, and have a successful life. It’s so unfair, unless you
make a paradigm shift in thinking.
Maybe
this is how life is suppose to be? Full of opportunities to make choices that
can either move you forward or backwards in your development. Would you have it
any differently? Force everyone to be GOOD? Bully them into the behavior you
think is appropriate? That doesn’t work either. So make a shift in your
thinking that maybe there is suppose to be opposition in the world either
created by a higher power or a big bang. Life is is full of ying and yangs, opportunities and
tragedies. Perhaps the real purpose in living is to learn from each experience,
set your own goals and press forward with faith, energy and a new outlook? NEXT TIME: Lighten Up!