Embrace the Transforming Power of Change!

Everyone’s life is filled with change. Some changes are expected and others come out of the blue. Some are positive, some are negative and some may initially feel negative, yet end up being filled with many gifts which improve our character and help us live a happier and more meaningful life. I would like to share a personal example of how change can transform your life in a very powerful and positive way. 

In the late 1990’s I was living a dream life. I was married to a wonderful man, had a young son and a great, but challenging job. Life was good. We decided to have another child. After several miscarriages, I became pregnant. Then the roller coaster of life gave us an unexpected ride: our baby was diagnosed with Down’s syndrome in utero.

My husband and I had a difficult decision to make. Did we do the expected thing and have an abortion, or travel an unknown path into the future with our baby? As I was sitting in the genetic counselor’s office, I heard the Inner Voice of Inspiration say “Do not turn away Love.” But, the unknown future was a scary place for me. My husband and I spent many hours searching for up-to-date information and reached out to other parents who had made this difficult decision to have a Down’s syndrome child. After much thought, meditation and discussion, we decided to have our baby and face the unknown future with courage, hope and Love instead of fear.

Our baby was born full of energy, smiles, giggles and a wide stubborn streak. We were fortunate that she was very healthy and missed many of the physical problems which can accompany Down’s syndrome (digestive issues, heart malformations, spinal instabilities, etc.). We decided to treat her as normally as possible. Our idea was that we would aim to expose her to as many learning experiences as possible, knowing that it may take a bit longer for her to understand than other children. 

Today, Life is good. I am still married to the same wonderful man, and we now have three children! Our oldest son is in college and our youngest son is in middle school. Our daughter is a teenager and treats us like a typical teenager would (complete with eye rolls and “you are embarrassing me” comments)! She makes us laugh every day and teaches the entire family to enjoy life more. She attends high school, has lots of friends and plays percussion in the school band. She is working on her black belt in American Freestyle karate, got a blue ribbon in Special Olympics for the 50 meter dash and has a part-time job at a restaurant. She also performs with a dance group for children with special needs. She works on making her own dreams come true with persistence and utilizing the best method for her to accomplish those goals. Sure, she gets frustrated, confused and stubborn at times, yet she persists in her efforts to learn and improve. We realize that the qualities that help her also help us, and can help anyone!

Because of our daughter we have met many inspirational young people with Down’s syndrome who have done some amazing things, such as:

•Swim the English Channel with a relay team

•Run for elective office in New Mexico and receive 1/3rd of the vote

•Help develop training and job opportunities for people with disabilities

•Become Special Olympics national ambassadors

•Publish their work as authors

•Become international speakers                   

Our daughter teaches us about Love every day. She notices when someone is not doing well and expresses care and love for them, inspiring us to do the same. Despite all the challenges she faces every day, she embraces life with spirit and tenacity. She has taught my husband and me to be better parents and more patient people. And, this was only possible because we decided to embrace change ourselves and stride forth into the future not knowing what it would bring. The change we faced so many years ago and the choice we made has helped us and others in so many ways that we don’t even realize them all right now!

When you look in Nature, you will become aware that Nature is always in motion. Even solid matter is in constant motion on the molecular level. When you understand this, you realize that change is a natural part of life. I find that looking at upcoming change during mediation can open your mind to the inherent possibilities of the changing circumstances. When you stop at the feeling of fear and cling to the past, you may be missing a golden opportunity to learn and grow. 

Everyone’s life is filled with change and choices. In every moment we change, and have before us infinite choices! Nothing remains the same. This is the condition we live in. We shape our lives by these choices and can make our own “dream life.” Not every change that you originally perceive as a negative is actually negative. Even a so-called "negative experience" has some message within it that we can benefit from. Change can help transform you, improve your life and character in very positive, unexpected ways. So, embrace change and know that with every choice you make the Great Principle and your Higher Self or Inner Voice is helping you. You may learn to experience life with wonder again. Sometimes you just have to trust God and step forward into the unknown future with courage and hope.

Live NOW ~ A Science of Being Magazine

By JGWLB