"If anything is certain, it is that change is certain. The world we are planning for today will not exist in this form tomorrow."

Philip (Bayard) Crosby (b. 1926), American writer, author

This last weekend has seen great change for us in Scotland. Smoking has been banned in enclosed public places. Not wanting to get into a debate about smokers versus anti-smokers rights, I can only applaud this legislation from its health-promoting aspect, especially when reading such statistics in one of the Scottish Sunday papers -

Currently more than 13,000 people die every year from tobacco use, with 1500-2000 non-smokers dying through the effects of passive smoking. Sunday Herald 26 March 2006.

The news services have been full of this legislation, looking at other places, such as Ireland and New York, where similar bans have been put in place, as well as quotes from people on both sides of the argument. What struck me the most, however, is that the majority of people, particularly those who have bars and restaurants, whilst not necessarily wanting this to happen, have realized that the change is here and it is up to them to embrace it and do what they can to ensure that they continue to run their businesses profitably but in line with the changes.

What is it about change that causes us such anguish? Surely change is an inevitable part of life and only the most recalcitrant of human beings would refute this fact? Change in itself does not have to stir up such feelings of distress, if only we can change our thinking about it. Change is an opportunity to try something new, to see what is working for us and what we need to focus on to achieve our goals, whether personal or professional. It is a time for refreshment and renewal, and for sloughing off the obsolete and outdated in our lives so that we can progress with less to hold us back. Do you see change as something to embrace or do you need to change your thinking? What is your attitude to change? Do you need to change it?

Take a look at how you currently spend your days. Is everything done in the most efficient and effective way to move you forward? Are you making steady progress towards your goals? Or are you running round in circles, going nowhere? Do you need to make an assessment of how you do things and make some changes changes for the better?

What is holding you back? Is it fear? Fear of the unknown? Fear of the new? Fear of change? Fear of fear itself? Let go of that fear. Security comes from knowing that you are able to face up to and adapt to change, not because change wont happen. Look at change as being a chance for you to revitalize yourself and your approach to all that you do. Change often involves some sort of risk, but it is also a time of new beginnings.

With change comes new opportunities and new challenges, even if at first sight the change seems to be for the worse. What can you do to make the change work to your advantage? Do your research and seek out possibilities for improvement and growth.

Change is inevitable. Instead of being reactive, how about taking control by being proactive? Change and change for the better, rather than letting the change be something that has a negative effect on you. By doing something practical you will feel so much better about the whole situation.

Life involves a small percentage of what actually happens (change) and the larger percentage being how we react to it (attitude). You have a choice. You can choose to see change as a threat and something forced upon you or you can choose to embrace it and make the best that you can from it. Dont let others make that choice for you.

Life is a journey and an adventure! Are you ready to meet life and live it? Does the change require you to learn new skills? Or to meet and work with new people? Or even to make a move somewhere? How can you make the most of this? How can you turn this to your advantage? How can you make the adventure something exciting and fulfilling?

Human beings are adaptable creatures. Get your thinking cap on and come up with creative ways that you can adapt. Get the pens and paper out and use them to empty your mind and create something visual to help you plan your next moves. Sometimes just seeing the ideas on paper can stimulate us into ways of doing things that we would never have thought of before!

Changing your thinking is one of those things that you cannot put a cost on but which can bring you great rewards, in every aspect of your life. You can demonstrate your readiness to embrace change by your attitude. By your thoughts, your words and your actions you can show that you are ready. Let the world know that you can face up to any change. Change? Hah! BRING IT ON!

Kate Harper 2006