Looking around, we see businesses that have failed in the past two years. We also see those that have survived, even some that have thrived. While it is easy to give COVID the blame and the credit for the differences, that is failing to forget an important distinction. Businesses that have survived or thrived changed and met the demands of the time, and those that failed did not. Mike and I travelled to NYC this week, and I saw firsthand an example of this.

The Wayfarer restaurant, one of our favorites, is closed, and we were told it “Did not survive COVID.” Rue 57, right across the street from the Wayfarer, another of our favorites, is still going strong. Similar food choices, similar prices, same location. Why did one survive and the other not? While I do not know the particulars, I can assume that the Wayfarer did not change as needed, and Rue 57 did. Rue 57 remained relevant, and the Wayfarer did not.

There are other examples of businesses that remained relevant and those that did not. The same can be said about us. If we are struggling, we should consider if we have changed to meet the demands of the times, or if we are holding onto a past that has passed.

We all know that the only constant is change. Yet, some of us stay set in our ways and refuse to adapt as life requires. We refuse to read the tea leaves, assuming that we can continue to behave in the same manner as we always have, even when doing so does not move us forward. This reminds me of something I held on to, failing to let go long after it was past time to do so.

I held on to my wine, refusing to stop drinking, although I was not able to lose the weight I wanted to lose. I remember saying many times, “I am not going to give up my Chardonnay!” Until one day, May 7, 2019, when I decided to give up my Chardonnay. To this day I still do not know what was different about that day that made me able to let go of something I wanted to hold on to, and thus be able to get something else I wanted more, which was to lose weight. But I was able to finally let go.  And over the next few months, I lost 57 pounds. No, that was not the only change that I made to lose weight. But it was the one change that I needed to make to stimulate the other changes.

Is there something you are holding on to that you need to let go of? If so, what will it take for you to do so? Don’t think you have to have all of the answers before you take the first step. It is possible that in taking the first step you will be unblocking whatever is preventing you from other steps that will evolve in their time.

I am reminded of another decision we, Mike and I, need to make. We have been in limbo for months about whether it is time to sell our home in Raleigh. I have written about that previously. As I read my own words above, it occurs to me that we are trying to figure it all out before making the next move. Perhaps that is keeping us blocked. Maybe we just need to make the next move, and others will follow organically.

Perhaps there is something in here for you to ponder. If so, do not allow yourself to stay blocked. Take the next logical step, and trust that the other steps will follow.

Happy Easter. This holiday is an important one for Christians, representing the Resurrection of Jesus and the promise of eternal life for those who follow Him. May you enjoy time with family as you celebrate together.

Lest we never forget, prayers for Ukraine and all who are suffering around the world.