When things seem to be going good in our lives or we are at least content with our circumstances we rarely would see a need for change. The simple definition of change is to alter or make different, usually with the intent to make better or improve. Stop for a moment and reflect on what in your life you wish was different. What in your life could be improved? What do you wish was better?
In most support groups one may hear a portion of a prayer from Dr. Reinhold Niebuhr referred to as, “The Serenity Prayer.” Within it one asks God for the peace to accept the things that cannot be changed, the courage to change the things that are within our power to change and then for the wisdom to know the differences of what we can and cannot change.
We have to know and realize that we will never change another human. We can encourage, influence, maybe even persuade but ultimately it is up to each individual of whether they make the changes in themselves that maybe we wish they would. Maybe we have been in a similar situation as a certain person and we know that if they did X, Y, and Z their life would show some improvements, but until they get to the point of being willing to make those changes on their own nothing will happen.
Working as a counselor and now a pastor too, I have heard many “rock bottom” stories. Rock bottom is that symbolic place that people often refer to where they finally start the process of changing.
In the late 70s and early 80s James Prochaska and Carlo DiClemente came up with The 5 Stages of Change Model. Within this model one can look at the different stages to see where they may be in regards to making a change. The first stage is Pre-Contemplation which is basically the stage that you still feel no need to change. You believe that there is no problem and no reason for a change, even though others may see it. In this stage you will reject any advice or help because you see no need in it.
Then 2nd stage is Contemplation; this is where you actually start to think that it is in your best interest if you do start to make a change. This leads to Planning or what some call the “brainstorming” stage. You think of all possible options that you can do in order to make change happen. You may have many ideas, but the next stage is to pick a plan and put it into action.
The Action stage is where other people will also see a difference. There will be evidence that you are making a change. It will be seen in how you act which will be a direct result from your thoughts and beliefs changing. As the change happens and others see the differences and improvements the last stage is Maintenance. Once at this stage the change has happened and you continue doing what is necessary to make the changes made last.
March 16, 2025
~TRS
Rays of Hope 