Change is hard but necessary

I just turned 2. That may seem a little strange considering I am writing this blog and have a daughter who is 4. But the explanation is simple. My real birthday is in May, but I also celebrate a birthday or what is termed a "rez" day in Second Life which I joined two years ago. It's nice having a second birthday, and this one has the added benefit of not making you feel older because you can look as young as you want depending on how you dress and design your avatar or character.

For my second year in Second Life, I decided to change my appearance slightly. Most people probably haven't noticed, but I have a new skin and shape. I didn't yet make any drastic changes like wearing a new hairstyle, but I may consider that. It's really much easier and less expensive to do a makeover in Second Life than in real life, but it's strange that one can feel so reluctant and fearful to do so. Just like in real life, change isn't easy but it can be beneficial.

In some parts of the world, the seasons don't change. In some places, the clocks don't either, or they change on different dates. But little changes happen to everyone every day. We may still get up on the same side of the bed and take the same route to work, but some days we may feel more tired than on others (especially when we are adjusting to the mini jetlag of changing the clocks as some of us did this weekend), some days we may be happier or sadder, and some days we just would rather stick our head in the sand like some camel and not bother getting out of bed. But all of us need a change. If we don't actually get away on vacation, we still need a break from routine whether it's escaping through a good book or visiting a virtual world.

What changes have you made lately or would like to make in your life? Even the little ones count. If you're afraid, just remember that change is hard but necessary. There are many things we have little or no control over, but, for those we can change, the power requires choice. We have to want to make the change and be prepared to face the result. It need not be drastic. It can be subtle like my Second Life makeover. The main thing is that it makes you feel better just trying something new, and you don't need to do it to please anyone but yourself.

So don't wait until a birthday or other special day. Celebrate yourself today and make some changes now.