No one falls in love

No one falls in love.

There is no coup de foudre.

Inspiration doesn’t strike.

There are no sliding doors. No ghosts of Christmas past, present or future.

The myth of the life-changing moment is reserved for movies. A romanticised, post-rational narrative that keeps us passive, reactive, irresponsible.

In reality, for most of us at least most of the time, change happens only through intention, proactivity and repetition.

First there is the clarity of perspective that results in a desire for change.

Then the hard slog of working out what needs changing and how.

And finally, the relentless, grinding, will-powered daily practice of living the change you want to see.

Working less

Exercising more

Being happier

There is solace to be found in this realisation. Yes it puts the responsibility on our shoulders. But it also returns agency to our hands.

We need not be a beholden to circumstance. The power for change lies within us.

All we need to do, is unleash it.