Taking it off the chin

I have always been a fierce proponent of change. While other people fear it, flee from it, complain about it and do anything to alleviate it, I relish it. Sure, some change is not the greatest. Change inflicted upon us can make us angry and resentful. I sometimes think we NEED to change and by ignoring the signs to do so, we are forced into it for our greater good. But that is a whole other HUB.

I have always hated my somewhat thick neck and double chin. No matter the weight loss, the chin would always make me feel as though I had a sling hanging from it. I even was told I had a weak chin and that it was somehow "less than" charming. That was years ago and I kept hearing those tapes.

I am also a believer in the idea that nothing happens by mistake. Most things happen in the time frame we are ready to work through them, even though most people would not feel that way about the loss of a loved one, and that cannot be denied. In my case, I had a situation whereby my nose had a sore that would not heal. Being a diabetic, I knew it took longer to heal than someone without this disease. I felt it incumbent upon me to have my skin looked at for possible skin cancer screening, as I have a dear friend who has had several bouts of this problem and it seemed like a wise decision. When I chose a doctor to go see I had no idea she was not a dermatologist, as she was a laser surgeon and also a facial MD. After going into her office for a consult (free) she directed me to a dermatologist to look at the nose, (which ended up being fine) and telling me about laser smart lipo that could be done on my chin and other areas of my face if I was interested.

I was.

Two weeks after my initial discussion with my surgeon, who is a licensed Dr and dental surgeon, I went into her office for a smart lipo on my neck and chin and also some other areas that were candidates for collagen fillers. I was ecstatic! The key here is to bring one the change that might boost self confidence and a feeling of rejuvenation, not necessarily to turn the clock back or to be vain in any way. I often had indicated my desire to age gracefully, and still maintain that aging IS a wonderful phenomena. It beats the alternative! But it also is a procedure that brings me the change I so crave in life.

I have lived in eleven states and traveled the USA in search of a place I felt "at home". I found that place in 2007. I tried over 100 kinds of jobs in my life to find my "passion" which I found 14 years ago when I began teaching at the college level. But I have always taught, it is in my blood. I live life teaching. About change, about death, about life, about always striving to be grateful for each day and every person who touches your life. This was no different, it was just...well....another change.

Spending time resisting change is futile. Of course big changes are not always necessary. I took Kenpo karate when I was in my late twenties and loved it. Not many people my age did that. I worked at a job that paid only commission when I was a single parent. My mother thought I needed to get a "real job". I undertook homeschooling my son in an attempt to alleviate him going to school during his asthma attacks. I crossed the country in my RV, often only with my son who was 10-12 years old at the time. I had my first child with no spinal procedure so I could say it was natural, even though it took forceps to deliver her. I went through bariatric surgery when it was not popular and have not lived to regret that decision either. When one decides to make a change, it is not wise to regret it later. Hindsight is 20/20, but foresight is not always spot on. Put up and shut up, nothing can be done with decisions already made.

The truth is, I know some of the things I chose to do for change were painful, even physically so. I tried public speaking, singing in public, being in plays, skiing and ice skating, roller skating and skate boarding. I met many people online and trusted them enough to meet with them in person after a time, including my current husband. I encouraged my children to march to a different drummer, and they have. All these things were from being open to change.

Today, five days after my current change, I am pleased once again that I made a change. Some people call me "brave" for the things I do, but I am not brave, I am just open to change. I have changed my philosophy several times, changed my political affiliation, my interests in film literature and psychology, changed my feelings about beliefs I held dear because other information I have found allowed me to see the other side of something.

Do not fear change. Change is what allows us to grow. It teaches us that life is not static and that we can choose to try something new without being afraid all the time. Standing with the crowd and remaining in the same mindset or even facial mold is not always the best way to live life! I might not zipline or parachute or try a new sport, but I AM a good sport, because there is something about not competing with others that makes me feel authentic and real. I do not need to do something to prove anything to anyone else, I just need to do what makes me feel good and part of that is to be open to change.

Amen.