Philip A. Gonzales
“I expected…” • “I got…” • “I changed…”
In Mind, Body, and Spirit, we approach the world with expectations that are formed by our experiences. But we often get circumstances that are different from our expectations. That’s a good thing. Breaking expectations reveals opportunities to create internal change that nurtures our progress and growth. • In the face of broken expectations, the survivor picks up the pieces and constructs inner changes. More importantly, the survivor creates a new set of expectations that are in harmony with a constantly changing world. The Cycle of Change can be used as fuel for growth; in Mind, in Body, and in Spirit.Let’s look at a specific example of how the Cycle of Change can work. In the early stages of dealing with my son’s numerous medical crises, here is the cycle that I experienced as we waded into the American Medical-industrial complex to find help…
Cycle of Change
Mind
Here’s what I expected • • clarity, full information, time to think
Here’s what I got • • hidden information, selected information, rushing
Here’s how I changed • • learn tenaciously, question persistently, doubt, insist
Body
Here’s what I expected • • stamina, strength, resilience
Here’s what I got • • fatigue, limited power, discomfort
Here’s how I changed • • eat right, train wisely, harden
Spirit
Here’s what I expected • • humanity, godliness, spiritual integration
Here’s what I got • • cold business, godlessness, spiritual separation
Here’s how I changed • • find allies, bring God along, recognize spirit in everything
• •• •• •• •• •• •• •
When your expectations are not met by reality, look at what you can do to change your mind, your body, and your spirit. Let your internal changes foster a new set of expectations that can help you move with the next Cycle of Change.