How do you find contentment in change?

"Worrying about the future is like watching a leaf fall and trying to predict where it will land. Stop trying to guess where the wind will blow and get to work."  James Clear

As I’ve been going through a lot of change lately, it has been at the top of my mind.  

I was thinking about how, I believe, there are two types of change. Change that we can control and change that we cannot control.  

I’m grateful that I was in charge of this change, but when I drove up to visit my mother, I realized she doesn’t have much control over the changes in her mind and body. 

Yes, she could control much of her day, but she has found contentment in being at home, in her chair, and her daily habits.  I believe much of this comes from fear. Fear of falling, fear of body parts not working when she stands, fear of not having a caregiver close by.  

When I look forward 30 years, I fear getting into the contentment my mom finds nourishing. Then I came across this quote from James Clear and realized I want as much control over the changes in my life as possible, not wondering where the leaf will land, but to get to work today so I can keep myself healthy in mind, body, and spirit.

I’ve been accused of wanting too much control, and as I've aged, I've come to embrace this remark. I don’t want to control other people's lives, but I find that I'm happier when I'm in control of my choices and changes, because I’m never sure when I may not have control over the changes that come my way.

The other day, I received the letter I sent to my future self.  Every year, when I do this, it doesn’t seem like much has changed, until I receive this and am reminded how much has changed in the past year. Here is a link if you are interested. https://www.futureme.org/ 

If you like to journal, here is a wonderful prompt I found. 

“Something I can commit to today that my future self will thank me for is….”

If you worry about your future and the many changes you can control or cannot, stop trying to guess where the wind will blow and enjoy the ride.