One of my favorite old jokes is, “How many therapists does it take to change a light bulb? One, but the light bulb really has to want to change.”
Some believe that people never change, that human beings are incapable of such transformation. Not true. However, people do have to want to change. We cannot be forced to go where we do not want to go.
Part of making change possible is the willingness to see who we are now and know that it is OK to be who we are even though we want something more. To quote the brilliant psychologist, Carl Rogers,
“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”
Another way to say this is that we must step out of denial to create change. We cannot heal what we will not own as ours. Blame and victimization do not get us anywhere. They certainly do not make us stronger or make our lives better.
It is said that successful therapy depends on two things – a smart therapist and a smart client who is willing to be honest. When we can allow everything to be what it is now and let ourselves to look within with total honesty, we can create the changes we desire. When we stop judging everything as right or wrong, good or bad, better or worse, we can create miracles.
Be willing to accept, free of all judgment, who you are at this moment as perfect for this stage of your growth. Allow that you are a work in progress, just like the rest of humanity. Then allow the change that you want to come.
Everything you want is waiting for you if you are willing to go where you need to go. Be the light bulb that really wants to change. Start shining today, and do not stop.
Image by Bruno /Germany from pixabay.com