“You cannot change the circumstances, the seasons, or the wind … but you can change yourself.” – Jim Rohn

I was glad I was sitting in my car alone as tears gushed. Later in the week my other son had posted selfies on his Facebook page to announce his first day on a new and exciting job. It was almost surreal to stare at these photos of a fully-grown man, not the little boy who had clung to my knees. I allowed myself to become lost in my memories and reel at all the changes my life has gone through this year. I usually think of myself as a self-reliant, strong woman, but at that moment I little more than one of the fall leaves fluttering past my window.

“The secret of change is to focus all your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” – Socrates

Knowing that the only constant in life is constant change does not seem to thwart our efforts toward consistency and permanence. Despite our best efforts to prevent change, our children grow up, jobs come and go, relationships grow and fade, and advancing age makes itself at home on our faces. Nothing is everlasting; permanence is an illusion. Given that we are powerless to put a stop to change, I believe the key is to embrace it with all our heart.

“Focus on the things you can change and let go of things you can’t.” – Unknown

There’s a good reason human beings cannot see behind them. While creating our lives, whatever has already happened is not nearly as important as what is happening directly in front of us. What is going on right now has ultimate influence over our future. While you have no control over the past, you have complete control over your thoughts in this moment. These are the thoughts that are literally creating your tomorrow.

 “If nothing ever changed, there’d be no butterflies.” – Unknown

As you create the life you envision for yourself, change will be your faithful friend. Along the way, you will surely experience setbacks and disappointments. But if you hold tight to change’s hand and never let it go, it will carry you toward your every dream. Only change can transport us to of our goals, teach us wisdom, and show us what is of value and what should be left behind. Only change can keep the promise of a fulfilling, joyous life.

“Take heart, be courageous, and jump into your river of change with both feet.” – Terry Sidford

You can connect with Terry on Twitter and Facebook.