One of the things our family noticed when we moved from Southern California four years ago was the openness and slower pace compared to the hustle and bustle of L.A.
We settled in the vibrant city of Palm Beach Gardens, but if you took a 10-minute walk north of our house, it felt like you were in the middle of the countryside.
Just up the street was a massive open park…fields galore, winding trails through the trees, and forest paths where we could ride bikes as a family.
But with time, the landscape started to shift.
A while back, a sign went up near our neighborhood announcing a new indoor sports complex. At first, nothing happened. But then one day, bulldozers came and cleared the forest and bike trails where we used to ride.
Soon after, fences went up around the path we took to the fields. Then came the tarp over the fences, completely blocking the view.
And just the other day, while my wife was driving by, she saw a crowd gathered at the gate. People were lined up like it was a rock concert, but no one was going in.
A little digging revealed why: Real Madrid, one of the most famous soccer teams in the world, was practicing right up the street from our house.
My wife happened to be on the phone with her sister in California (a huge soccer fan), and when she found out who was training practically in our backyard, she nearly lost it.
“You have no idea how lucky you are!” she said.
That’s how it is sometimes. Same event but two completely different perspectives.
Some were thrilled by the excitement. Others, frustrated by all the change.
And then I thought how often does change show up in our lives, especially in our health, and we’re faced with the same choice?
What kind of change am I talking about? It’s the kind that sneaks up on us: the aging process.
As someone once said with a smile, “Getting older isn’t for sissies.” And there’s some truth in that, aging comes with its fair share of changes and surprises.
But with the right mindset, even the hard parts can become opportunities to grow stronger and live more intentionally.
Because here’s the truth: change is going to happen….whether we like it or not.
Sometimes it’s obvious, like fences and bulldozers.
Other times, it’s subtle: a new pain that shows up somewhere, a fading of youthful appearance, a body part that does not work like it used to, a decrease in energy.
The real question isn’t if change is coming. It’s:
- How will I respond to the changes already happening?
- Can I shift my routine to match the season I’m in?
- Can I let go of unrealistic expectations for myself or others and give grace?
- Can I embrace the new rhythms instead of longing for the old ones?
If you’re noticing changes, physically, emotionally, or spiritually, you’re not alone.
Don’t rush through them. Don’t resent them. Let them change your perspective.
Because growing older isn’t something to resist, it’s an invitation to live with a sharper focus, to redeem the time wisely, and to number our days well.
It can mean becoming more intentional with loved ones, passing on what we have learned from our mistakes and being grateful, not just for what your body used to do, but for what it still can.
Because in the end, it’s not the change that defines you, It’s how you respond that shapes who you’re becoming.
If you’ve been walking through changes that feels unfamiliar or difficult, you’re not alone. It’s part of the journey we all walk as we grow older.
But instead of focusing on what’s faded or changed, turn your attention to what still remains, and what’s still possible.
Because when you shift your focus from what’s been lost to what can still be gained, you begin to see change differently and your present challenges become an opportunity for something greater.
Enjoy the rest of your day!
Dr. Derek “More into Real Change Than Real Madrid” Taylor
