I’m sure there are some of you who know people who refused to adapt to computer age. I still know some “old timers” who want to use word processors or even typewriters instead! Imagine. What is up with that?

Well, when change comes we have several options, some of which are more adaptive than others. Let’s take a look at them.

The first option is to refuse to change or adapt to any new circumstances, just like person who still uses a word processor. These are generally people who are afraid of change. I also think that underlying that fear is fear of being inadequate. When change requires new learning, as it often does, some people don’t think they will be able to master new skills so it is easier to simply renounce changes than adapt. The problem is that these are people who are left in dust.

The second possibility is slow starter. These people usually start out in one of first two mentioned roles---either refusing to change or anxiously running around trying to figure out what to do about it. They do not like change any more than next person and they resist and resist until one day, they realize that change may actually bring benefits. Once they see that there is a payoff for them, they fairly easily do necessary things to adapt to change.

A third possibility is what we see in over anxious people in our midst. You know who they are. They are ones who are always making mountains out of molehills and have a nervous energy about them whenever confronted with a novel situation. They imagine all possible scenarios about what could occur and seem to just go around in circles. They don’t adapt to change; they just worry themselves sick over it.

My visit to Uncle Liam’s shop was quite frequent. He has a daughter about my age and we played together a lot. Mom and dad got to know him because he was friendly neighborhood grocery shop owner who always treated his customers well. He even sent orders right at our doorsteps.

It’s been three years since I moved to this part of country with my mom. Dad was away working in another foreign land and he thought that it would be best that we stayed somewhere close to my grandma.

That day Uncle Liam told me that his wife would be away to her mother’s house for many days. They are going to have another baby and she wants her mother to take care of her during confinement period. I did not know what it meant but it did not matter.

He asked whether I would like to keep his daughter’s company and spend a few nights so that we could play, have fun and sleep together. After getting mom’s permission I was happy to be spending lots of time with my friend, Maria.

There was no bed lamp in Maria’s room. The only light was from rays that penetrated through translucent window shutters. I was not afraid though, just not used to her room. But sleep came finally.