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“Change is as Good as a Holiday” or is it? written by Paula McSporran
What does this phrase really mean? Is it being said purely out of habit or is there a hidden message that we need to be thinking about when we hear it? Perhaps the person using this phrase is trying to convince themselves of something.
My passion for understanding human behaviour and a genuine curiosity for these types of phrases frequently used in everyday life, has inspired me to explore this saying further.
Seasons change and people change. Yes, we all know this and it makes sense but have you ever considered why we want and need to experience change?
I believe we can draw many lessons from nature and people can relate to the seasons and seasonal cycles in life as well as in nature.
In autumn we watched the leaves slowly change colour to the gorgeous browns and golds. Then before we realized it, the leaves had fallen to let us know that winter had arrived. We admired the structure of the trees during ‘hibernation time’ over winter until the next change of spring to witness the buds forming and transition into new leaves and blossoms. The tree is back on its journey to complete the seasonal cycle returning to its full splendour laden with leaves that shade us from the heat of the full sun during summer.
In spring we often feel invigorated. Maybe it’s the blossoms and spring flowers with their striking colours and fragrances being released for the indulgence of our senses. A wonderful contrast to the cooler winter days where most of us spend much time indoors with artificial heating and limited exposure to the fresh cooler air. Perhaps it’s something else?
Spring brings with it change and ‘new beginnings’. In order for there to be a new beginning there needs to be the changes that summer, autumn and winter contribute. Each season has its own meaning, its own purpose and its own impact on change. Without the seasonal change, there are consequences. For example, if the winter doesn’t get cold enough, the spring flowers wouldn’t be as prevalent because they didn’t respond and begin growing as the ground warmed. If the older leaves weren’t triggered to change during autumn, then they wouldn’t be able to make way for the new growth in spring. The fruits wouldn’t ripen in time for the summer season.
When you are on a holiday what do you feel? Different people experience different things and as we know, not everyone is the same. Are there times of the year, or times in your life when you want to experience something different from your usual type of holiday?
So, what experiences do you prefer?
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Do you hibernate and shut off from the public eye so you can heal, recover and/or rest so that on your return, you can begin new projects, build new relationships or experience or pursue new ideas with greater energy?
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Do you take time out and allow yourself to transition from working and creating things, building relationships and/or projects to reaping those rewards? This is a time to reflect on your achievements and celebrate the rewards.
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How do you celebrate the warm weather? Do you lay on the beach or beside a pool during the day and party at night? Perhaps you’re active with sports and activities that energise you. Do you travel with others or meet up with others on your holiday? This could be on the beach or in the snow; it’s the activities that generate the experiences.
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Do you prefer to experience a holiday where you are inspired to consolidate your thoughts and experiences? Perhaps you need a change in environment to reflect on the past and take time out to plan and prepare for the future. Some people need this experience to help them slow down, to realize that in order for the rewards to continue, they must look after themselves. So you may look at a spa treatment or massage experience or a more luxurious holiday where you ‘indulge’ and reward yourself for a period of time. A change of pace may be the order of the day however you choose to experience that.
Take a moment to reflect right now … what type of holiday experience would you like and perhaps need right now?
What feelings are they triggering in you? Is it to go faster or slow down? Are you in need of some time-out to rest, or a more of an adrenaline rush experience?
When people are speaking about ‘a change being is as good as a holiday’, I believe they are sharing their need to change their experience/s right now. In some cases, this is just an excuse because those changes could be out of their control and that person doesn’t want to be perceived that way.
Remember, there is no right or wrong. There is no ONE experience or type of experience that is better than another, it’s about what you want and need for your best performance, health and wellbeing right now. For a fruit tree to bear the most incredible and delicious fruits, that tree must experience the change in seasons. If a season is skipped or the seasonal change is not fully experienced, it has a direct impact on that tree and the health of the fruit.
Listen to your body and create the change that you need to experience now while the circumstances are in your control. Don’t become a victim of the environment or what is happening to you. Be intentional and make things happen for you, for your health and for the future that you desire.
If you would like to know more about how you can create the ‘right’ kind of changes for your situation, Paula McSporran is an experienced Executive Performance Coach, specializing in working with individuals who want to achieve more from life. She is offering a strategy consultation via her website.
Author of this article:
Paula McSporran is an Executive Performance Coach, highly skilled and experienced, as well as a Master Practitioner and Trainer of Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP). Her clients become skilled and confident in the art of negotiation and communication. Clients increase their team’s performance and individual productivity. Paula is also an expert in reducing stress, conflict and procrastination. Connect with Paula on:
0421 976 381 or through her Facebook page or
email at paula@theperformanceinstitute.com.au
