Life is interrupted all the time...you start a job, you end a class, you have a child, a child moves out, someone dies, you move across the state, you make a new friend...well, you get the picture.

I was listening to a webcast from Disney this week, on change leadership, and it reminded me that WE are leaders of change in our family, in our circle of influence and in our own lives. One of the insightful things that was shared included, "Change, really, is the only constant in our lives. We cannot stop it and we cannot escape it. We can let it destroy us or we can embrace it."

Then, a "Walt Disney" quote summed it all up..."If you're coasting, you're going downhill." And that is SO true.

I grew up as a military brat...so change was normal for us. We moved around a bit, lived in different parts of the country and I, eventually, ended up in a broken home. Then, a grafted home, with steps, halfs and reals! 

When things happen in our lives that are beyond our control, we have the opportunity to take a good look at ourselves and decide how we want to move forward. Is a job half-way across the country, with no family support, the best choice to make right now? What are some ways I can cut costs while my husband is deployed? What should I do with my time now that all of my children are in school?

I was always taught that you plan to fail if you fail to plan...so I have always tried to ponder solutions to interruptions that I know are going to happen. My children leaving the nest. Starting a new business. Medical issues that have changed my physical abilities. I don't just lie down and let life run me over, I allow myself time to pull over, change tires and then get back out on life's highway!

But, you cannot be prepared for everything...so I suggest taking time out to think about your options BEFORE making your next big decision. I like to talk to wise counselors, pray and consider all the things that are before me FIRST. Most decisions involve risk or we would already know what we should do...and that can be scary. However, it can also be exhilarating and set us free.

Maybe you've always wanted to return to school and finish a degree. You've just been laid off and have a severance package and the time. It might be the right time for you! Go for it! 

No matter the interruption or the solution, you have choices. And, sometimes, the more you think about things, the more options you will have. Don't feel so rushed when life gets interrupted...remember, the road to "bitter" and "better" start with a single decision from you. 

Here is Michelle...just pondering life with a cup of tea and her three canine confidants: Roly Poly, JJ and Dally.