Lightning Speed: The Speed of a Changing Attitude

Lightning Speed:  The Speed of a Changing Attitude

by

L.T. Force, Ph.D.

Gerontologist

We are continuously witnessing the increase in speed - whether it be the launch of a rocket, the answer driven by a technological application or the advances that we see in medical care. However, the one thing that we haven’t focused on as much is the: “lightning speed that can occur with a changing attitude”.

I’ve continually watched people, both in my personal life and in my professional life, try to hold onto old behavior patterns that are no longer working. Or holding onto old ideas, thoughts and paradigms that are outdated and stale (the irony is - they say they don’t want to be held captive to these specific thoughts or behaviors) and regardless of the counsel,  the support,  the services or the resources they receive - they continue to hold onto old ways of doing business. For many of these good intentioned people, they try (psychotherapy, exercise, mind control, prayer….etc. ) but they still seem to be trapped in their own circular thought patterns, i.e., they say: “they don’t want to live this way” (and you have to give them credit for trying) however, they keep repeating the same thought pattern or behavior that they commit to resolve. And then in a moments notice, at lightning speed….faster than any speeding rocket, faster than an AI response, and faster than any advances in medicine that are achieved - there’s a change…. and that change….in a split second…. a millisecond….and what was once held onto as the familiar way of doing business….has now been altered and dissolved. “What a miracle…. a tremendous miracle!”

And what is the origin of this change?  Some people would say ‘unknown’, some people would say ‘only God knows’, the reality is…. in a moments notice with lightning speed….old attitudes, behaviors and thought patterns are vaporized and you can begin to live the life….you have always said you wanted to live.

(Side note: I often reference the story of a person I know. For years, he struggled with a significant and a debilitating alcohol addiction. In fact, he went to 15 different rehabs. Can you imagine the bridges he burned with family, friends and employers? But “something happened” in that 15th rehab. He has now been sober for over 20 years. What happened? He can’t answer that question….maybe he saw something….heard something…..but whatever it was….it was like a ‘lighting strike’….he was different.

What’s the take away? Yes, a person can change their attitudes, their behaviors…. and view of  their personal and professional world.

Where does this new light come from?  Again, unknown. However, there’s enough evidence to show, both personally and professionally, this “miracle of change occurs”. And when it does, be prepared for a feeling of amazement, a feeling of bewilderment. And what’s the response? Gratitude, deep appreciation and awe are the responses.

Don’t ever give up hope….there are streaks of lightning all around us!