The Courage to Change

Change isn't easy. The nature of life is to keep things in a pattern that is predictable, repeatable, and safe. All living things -- including humans, birds, dolphins, even plants, and any other organism -- naturally seek safety, comfort, and survival via the path of least resistance.

We know that it doesn't always work out so well when we try to take the most comfortable road. Where there is order, there is chaos, and chaos always comes in to shake things up and challenge us. Whether it is a major storm, a layoff, an accident, or any other unforeseen drastic event, chaos brings with it stress and struggle, as well as opportunity for growth.

In fact, life is constantly beckoning us to change -- sometimes a little, sometimes a lot. It is impossible to stand still and those of us who fight the currents of change by trying to stay the same are fighting the Universal life force itself. That's when life is always a struggle, a challenge, and things never seem to go "our way".

One of the things I love most about what I do is that I get to meet amazing people who want to change. They come to me to help them facilitate that change in their lives. Whether it is losing weight, reducing anxiety, getting pregnant, or navigating menopausal changes, all of my patients are seeking to CREATE change.

And, this takes a lot of courage.

It is easy to just stay where we are. In fact, the majority of people will suffer through a life of mediocrity and poor health as long as it is safe and predictable. This is by no means a character flaw or something to criticize. It is simply an urge born of the desire to avoid pain. The thought of change can be very scary and I don't blame anyone for wanting to avoid upheaval, chaos, and heartbreak.

But watching hundreds of people courageously step up to the proverbial plate and intentionally create change, I can tell you that the fear of change is entirely unwarranted. Positive, self-motivated change is always liberating, uplifting, and invigorating. It presents opportunities for growth that are unmatched anywhere in life.

The hard part for most of us is simply deciding to do it in the face of that one thing we all fear: The UNKNOWN.

I can tell you with absolute certainty, however, that when you choose to change out of a desire for self-improvement and increased life energy, you WILL succeed if you have the courage and will to start and follow through. The exact result may be unknown from where you stand today, but one thing is certain: You will be in a better place in due time. You will be changed for the better.

The longer I practice, the more I realize that all I do is help other facilitate change. My chosen methods of acupuncture, therapeutic nutrition, herbs, and coaching are powerful tools that create the conditions for change to occur. They open the door to physiological states where the body, mind, and spirit can shift into a new "normal", a new "routine", a new "easy and familiar" that brings the opportunity for increased health, happiness, and life energy.

But, in every case, it's the patient who courageously steps through that open door into a new way of being. It is an honor and privilege for me to be a part of that, no matter how large or small my role may be.

Chris Axelrad, M.S.O.M., L. Ac., FABORM, director of the Axelrad Clinic for Natural Women's Healthcare, is a recognized expert in women's health, natural treatment of hormone imbalance, and fertility enhancement using Traditional Chinese Medicine integrated with conventional medical knowledge. He is known for his easy-going manner and sincere compassion for his patients. Mr. Axelrad provides coaching and support to patients across the country via his remote treatment programs, and he also maintains a busy full-time specialty clinical practice in Houston, TX. Visit the clinic website to schedule your free 30-minute initial consultation.