So far I have discussed forgiveness and passion as two means of achieving a transformation in ones life. I would like to pause for a moment or two and comment on one of the difficulties in achieving a real change in ones life. When I go to the grocery store I am generally in the habit of buying certain brands of most things. For example I would buy French's Mustard, or Heinz Ketchup. I am in the same habit when Faith and I go to a restaurant for dinner. We had a favorite restaurant in New York called Rizzi's and I would always order the rigatoni bolognaise. Why do we so often habitually, and consistently choose the same things?

    The biggest reason is that they are familiar; they are known quantities. We understand and are comfortable with what we'll get. We don't have to go into uncharted territory that may hold some "danger" for us. What if the alternative is not as good as our usual choice? What if we don't like it? Faith consistently reminds me - as my mother did - "You won't know if you'll like it or not unless you try it." 

    So, on more occasions, I will now try something a little different. More times than not, I have been pleasantly surprised. Nonetheless, it is sometimes difficult to make that choice. One thing I have found though, is that the more I'm willing to try something different, the easier it is the next time. Change sometimes comes in little steps - it's the first step that often requires the most effort.

    The same is true with attempting to realize a real transformation in your life. If you don't have the desire or will you probably won't take that first step. If a happier, more content way of living is what you truly desire I hope you have, or find, the courage to take that first step.