This week, we’ve been busy packing up our life in Singapore as we prepare for our departure next Saturday. After five years here, going back to the UK leaves us with mixed feelings. To add to the drama, my debut novel, The Madness of the Faithful, was released online as an eBook two days ago and caught me off-guard as it was earlier than expected. After two and a half years of keeping it to myself (and editors/reviewers, of course), the book has finally been released into the world.
In times of turbulence and transition, I find that I become reflective and philosophical (see last week’s post for more on this!). Change is a funny old thing. It can instil fear and panic in many – and I am by no means immune to these feelings – but it’s a key part of life and brings many possibilities and opportunities for experience. The Stoic, Marcus Aurelius, referred to change as ‘nature’s delight’ and as mentioned previously, I really dig the teachings and philosophies of the stoics. Referring to change as nature’s delight relates to the fact that change is part and parcel of life. Without change, we would have no experiences; in fact, more than that, without change there could be no existence, no universe, no people, no life. We must all live with it, whether we want to or not.
Things can change for the better or for the worse. Changes may be small and gradual or huge and dramatic. Massive, life-altering change is something that many of us struggle with. It can be frightening. My way of dealing with it – when I know it’s coming – is to try and welcome it in with open eyes. I try and accept what is within my control in the situation and what is not; you have to let some things play out as they need to. Also, I try and recognize that change can be emotional and there will likely be ups and downs along the way. It is all necessary and part of the experience of living. To avoid change is to avoid life.
Coming to Singapore was one of the best decisions we made as a family. It has led to countless adventures and extensive growth and development as a result of our experiences. We knew we were never going to settle here, so there would always come a time when we would need to say goodbye, and that time is now. Bidding farewell to anything can be sad, and right now we are leaving friends and our home for the last few years. That was the deal we made when we left the UK. Knowing that one significant change would lead to many others. The ride would be emotional and mind-altering. But what is life for – if not for going out there to experience some of the great things that existence has to offer. Change is what brings those experiences to us. And although I may not always enjoy the feelings that go along with it, I welcome and accept the change that comes. If you get the chance to experience a change like that, I suggest you do the same. Go for it. It’s what life is about.
