Being the Difference: My Solution to Change

by Greg Provance, co-founder, Change Starts Today

"There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it." -Edith Wharton

My first introduction to "being" (at least consciously) was when I walked into Alcoholics Anonymous for the first time in New York City, somewhere around 1995.  I quickly decided that change was not for me, at least not that kind of change!  For seven more years, I recessed back into my "rock-star" life and lived in oblivion to who I was being, numbed by the sweet lull of alcohol, drugs, adrenaline and denial.  Then, on the afternoon of June 25th, 2002, I walked back into that room (this time in Los Angeles) and allowed the welcoming arms and stories of experience, strength and hope to permeate me, at least just enough to embed a seed of light into my heart.  What I did know was that the pain of my past behavior, combined with the failure of my trusted elixir to drown my fears and insecurities any longer, had landed me in a place that I had hoped I would never have to be.  What I did not know, was that by becoming willing to be someone different than I had been, even if it meant I had to shatter all expectations of what was about to occur, I was, in fact, about to change!

Today, after over 5 years of sobriety, I have learned so many things, all the while conscious of the idea that a true master is one who knows he will always be a student, allowing me the space to make mistakes and foster further growth.  At the very core of all of these things is a simple principle that guides every thought and every action that I take, at least when I remember to use the tools I have been given.  That principle is this:

Be the change...

Now I'm sure that there are not many of us on this planet who have not heard this phrase before, in some shape or form; but at risk of sounding cynical, I am willing to bet that the vast majority of us fail to live it daily, my self included, I'm sure.  Yet I find that when I am adhering to this principle, practicing it in all of my affairs...my business, my relationships, my spiritual life...things just seem to go right.  Life is peaceful and serene.  Opportunities to be of service and to learn and grow present themselves.  Money is less of a problem and more abundant.  Life just works...even when it's not working!  Anyone out there resonate with this? 

My former life was centered around getting loaded.  Everything I did was with the sole intention of sinking into the mire of drunken bliss, where I did not have to face my thoughts, fears or responsibilities.  My new life, the life I have learned to life as the result of living by principles (like rigorous honesty, integrity and connection to Spirit) is one that is centered around making a difference by BEING THE DIFFERENCE ...the difference in me, my work, my family and in my world.  This was one of the toughest lessons to learn, considering the path I took to get there, but I am profoundly grateful for the experience, nonetheless.  It has changed who I am and who I am being forever.

Anyone else have experiences they can share on being the difference?  Please comment! 

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My gift to all of the Joyful Jubilant Learning Community...may you always learn and grow!

Until next time,
Greg Provance
www.ChangeStartsToday.com

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About the Author
Greg Provance is a professional life and success strategist, residing in Los Angeles, CA.  He is co-founder of Change Starts Today, a coaching company dedicated to living and building extraordinary lives.  As a performer, his accomplishments include numerous roles for film and television, including hosting and Emmy-winning series for NASA and PBS.  He enjoys a successful 8-year marriage and is a father to his newborn son.  An avid surfer, he spends time traveling to exotic surfing destinations with friends and family.

Comments

[dave]

Welcome Greg!

You are your journey. And your perspective cuts through the film covering the windows into our own. It is absolutely amazing how much light is in that one little two letter verb!

[Rosa Say]

Mahalo Greg, thank you for sharing your story with us. You share a great message within this credo that has become your mission, for we all need to come to a comfort level (and a self-challenging one) in how we view and then handle change. I do believe we have to personalize it, and get to the point where we can “wear it well” just like you did. As organizational change pioneer Richard Beckhard once said, “People do not resist change; people resist being changed.” And as your story inspires us to realize, look what magnificent things can happen when we don’t resist.

[Steve Sherlock]

Greg, welcome to this group and forum.

Congratulations on your 5 year journey. One of the many versions of the Irish blessing says:

May God give you...
For every storm, a rainbow,
For every tear, a smile,
For every care, a promise,
And a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer for each prayer.

[Angela Maiers]

Greg, thank you for sharing your story. It is both amazing and inspiring. I believe we need to hear your message in all aspects of our lives. I work with educators, and I hear from teachers what the students are doing, not doing, should be doing... I say back: BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE. You remind and reinforce that everyone of us can be a difference maker. Thanks again for sharing your journey.