IT’S THE SMALL THINGS  Alex Eduque I’ve mentioned time and again especially in the past year about how truly, the only constant in this world is change. In all aspects, we see this – from the human race portrayed with growing babies, toddlers, children, or even adults who transform through the years, to milestone moments in life that bring about change, albeit a very beautiful kind. Seasons change, and every year, the same seasons come and go. That is how constant change is, and change, is all around us. Yet ironically, as constant as change is in our lives, it is also one of our least favorites, so to speak. Not everyone is as adaptable, resilient or flexible to adjust to the ever-changing world we live in. Yet, for us to progress and thrive, we must accept that no matter how routine or planned out our lives are or may be, change does happen, and it takes place at anytime, sometimes, when we expect it the least. What are some ways to live life so that we can roll with the changes more smoothly? Here are some of my ponderings. First and foremost, I have always believed that the mindset – how we choose and condition ourselves to see things plays a huge and major roll in our acceptance of change. It is all about perspective, and choosing to always seek out the positive and beautiful blessings change can and does bring about. It is about learning to adapt by keeping an open-mind, and bringing along with us memories and learnings to arm us for the future we face. Second, live in the present. I cannot stress this enough. This is one of the most important things I have learned this past year, at a time when physical interaction has been limited quite drastically from that which we are used to. Living in the present does not simply mean being physically there. It means being one hundred percent in the moment. It is not enough to be around someone, but be pre-occupied and have your mind on something else. The beauty of living in the now is savoring everything that comes around – the smallest of things. And when we live in the present, we learn to appreciate change and see the good it brings because we are rich in moments and memories. Third, trust and have faith. Let God. I cannot stress this enough. At the end of the day, God has His plan for us, no matter how busy we are trying to make our own alternative one. Worrying about things we cannot control yields us nothing but unnecessary burden and stress, manifesting as negative energy we definitely do not need in our lives. Armed with faith, we have an inexplicable and unexpected strength within us which in the toughest of moments we will realize is impossible to live without. Change. It can be a beautiful thing, and for the most part it is, for as long as you choose to see it that way. Embrace change, but of course, in the process, hang on to your constants and non-negotiables, and you will see the lightness and difference it will bring about you.