Challenge The Status Quo

I learned that we gain a higher level of understanding when we challenge the status quo, which is the way we always do things. In the process of confronting the status quo (learning about, understanding, and changing the rut) common sense and wisdom develop within us. 

Okay! I admit that challenging the status quo did not create peace around me immediately nor provide success! At first, it did not help me develop a higher level of understanding of those things that bring success, peace, joy, and happiness to one’s lifel. In fact, in the beginning, it did just the opposite!

There were times when the people closest to me had trouble accepting the changes that were taking place inside me. They continually resisted the new attitudes that were emerging from the person I was becoming. As I learned later, this often happens when people change internally.

I quickly realized that when we take a stand for what we believe in and make defining changes in our lives, it often changes the way people respond to us. It could be upsetting for some of them because they do not want the status quo disturbed; they are happy with how things are now. This is not necessarily a bad thing when we understand this situation!

People will not always accept what we are doing or be happy about it—but it’s not their choice, it’s ours. However, it is always wrong if they become abusive toward us and try to prevent us from doing what we want (or need) to do. We must stay true to the course in this situation, set clear parameters in our dealings with them, and not shirk in keeping our commitments to ourselves.

I believe wisdom teaches us to expect a certain amount of resistance from those who know us best. Still, having faith in God and in our own ability helps us stay true to our inner selves. This faith is what drives us to succeed in reaching our potential and the measure of our creation. 

In conclusion, I know we all get stuck in ruts; it is part of life. However, let me make it clear that escaping your rut does not include running away from your responsibilities and the people who depend on you. It does not mean you do something totally off the wall or drastic either. The  point is that reckless and irresponsible actions create scars on the people around you, just like ruts caused by tires in mud leave scars in the terrain where the truck went. You must do everything you can to avoid leaving scars on people who care about you, especially when you are in a selfish and self-centered mood.

In order to make changes you need to make, you must be thoughtful and intelligent about it. Scars from mistakes leave lasting marks, and the consequences from what we do goes on for a long time. Find a friend, your spouse maybe, with whom you can talk through things before doing anything.

It would be wise to sleep on an idea for a day or so, before you make a decision; just to see if it looks the same in the daylight as it did when you were awake all night thinking about it. Can you tell that I’ve done this a few times before?

Let me know how changing the rut is working for you! I would enjoy hearing from you, and hearing about your experiences, your thoughts, your mistakes, and your successes. You can help others who read this report, if you will tell us about your experiences.