Val Dumond

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Articles on Writing, Grammar, and Publishing
by Val Dumond

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Val writes articles on grammar, the art and science of writing, and publishing, for budding writers and seasoned authors alike. These articles are not only informative and educational, they're entertaining - written as only Val can. Enjoy this latest of her articles:

Change
©2009 Val Dumond

Change is the keyword for this year. Seems as if that word CHANGE is on the tip of everyone's tongue. It's one of those things that when you focus on a certain word or phrase, that's all you hear - from everywhere. Well, I have some ideas of my own about change.

Change indeed is happening. I found a bunch of it in my pocket this morning. I found some more in the corner of my dresser drawer. Then I found even more in the holder in the car. There it was, just sitting there; I hadn't noticed it before. I began thinking about the significance of change, the magnitude of these little things that jangled each time I turned a corner.

Change is necessary. Without it, the details of commerce (and daily living) couldn't be completed. What if everything was rounded off, left just as it appeared in the larger form? We couldn't fine-tune a major decision or alter a former choice. We'd have to accept the greater portion just as it is.

Change is productive. Change enriches the feelings of abundance, offering hope and expectations of more and better things to come. When we discovers the feelings of the lush life, everything seems possible with just the right amount of attention and elbow grease. (You remember what elbow grease is?)

Change is hopeful. When we consider the possibilities available through the prospect of change, we look into the future and see sunshine, blue skies, green leaves, and purple opportunity. Our prospects grow as we squint into the brightness of what can be. (Again with the elbow grease?)

Change is a must. There isn't anything voluntary about change. It happens. It is happening every day: one day older, one degree taller, one iota smarter, one step closer to a goal. Whether or not we intend to grow older, taller, smarter or closer to a goal, it happens. Imagine what you would do with the power to choose whether or not you get older or smarter? Oh yes, I hear you; we do have the power to control some of our achievements (by refusing to pay attention or by limiting our expectations). Still, so much about life is unintentional on our part. It happens!

The moral of this essay is "using change", taking advantage of it, spending as much of it on hope and creativity as we do on necessity and greed, determining a life that enjoys the jingle in our pockets as we walk down its path, as much as enjoying the knowledge that it's there when we truly need it. Count your change today. Look at that stuff in your pocket that keeps the lint company. Pull it out and look at it closely. Play with it. And by no means, do you throw it away. You never know when you'll need your change.

"Please feel free to contact me. I welcome your comments and any specific questions you may have. "