Change Rejuvenates!

I've heard it said that a change is as good as a rest. I've found this to be true in my own life in both big and small ways. When I am tired of working on a certain manuscript or storyline, I switch to something else. I always have more than one story on the go at any given time. The same goes for any of my creative projects - paintings, quilts, or whatever. I know that some some people don't like this. One of my own daughters hates to start a new project until she has completed the last one. Not me. The trick is, you do have to eventually finish some of them, or you will get bogged down and discouraged and feel like you aren't accomplishing anything.

As a teacher who works with a lot of junior high students, I utilize this principle on a daily basis. Kids this age get bored and tired easily. (Especially these days.) They can't stand an hour long lecture. I find breaking the 80 minute period up into three or four sections works well and keeps them on task. For instance, we might start with silent reading for 20 minutes; move to  the 'teaching' portion of the lesson which could be a lecture, demo, or discovery activity; then I might let them answer questions or work in groups; finishing up with some quiet time for journaling about what they learned.

It's not just students that need regular change. You've probably noticed yourself that you get tired after doing one activity for too long. Physical and mental fatigue can be lessened by just changing the activity. If you're working at your computer, for instance, take a break every once in awhile to stretch, get a drink, or go for a walk. I find this even works with footwear. I love shoes, and I have a lot of them. I've invested in expensive, comfortable shoes because I know that cheap shoes make my feet tired and when my feet are tired, I'm tired. However, even the best shoes need to be changed when you're on your feet for long periods of time. I have several pairs in my cupboard at school, and when my feet start to protest, I just change my shoes. Voila! Instant energy to keep on going!

The changing seasons is one of my favorite things about living where I do. Although I love summer, I also love the fresh crispness of the air in autumn as well as the beautiful change in the colour of the leaves. Winter can be fun, too, if you get outdoors and participate in all the winter sports that are available, but don't we all love the coming of spring after a long winter? I think God in His wisdom knew that we need change to keep us stimulated. It's why we look forward to vacations, but then are happy to get home again.

Of course, as with anything, there can be too much of a good thing... but generally speaking, change really is as a good as a rest. This has been my contribution to the CW Blog Chain for this month. To see what other people are saying on the topic, check out the 'CW Blog Chain' page at the top of this blog.