"There are three constants in life... change, choice and principles."

The idea behind this quote is powerful yet simple: life's only guarantees are that things will change, we will have choices to make, and holding onto our principles will guide us through it all. Sounds pretty straightforward, right? But let's break it down a bit more to see how this wisdom plays out in our daily lives.

Think back to times in history when massive changes swept through societies. Take the industrial revolution, for example. Everything changed—how people worked, where they lived, even how they saw the world. Those who thrived weren’t necessarily the ones who fought against the change, but those who made smart choices based on their principles. They saw machines coming in and thought, "Okay, how do I make this work for me?" And those choices shaped their futures.

I remember when my friend Sarah was laid off from her job. It was a sudden change, totally out of the blue, and it knocked the wind out of her. But she had a choice. She could wallow in self-pity or she could take a step back and figure out her next move. Sarah did the latter. She leaned on her principles of hard work and perseverance. She took it as an opportunity to switch gears and finally start that small business she’d always talked about. It wasn’t easy, but her principles guided her decisions and she’s happier now than she ever was before.

Applying this notion to your life involves a bit of introspection and a lot of courage. You need to accept that change is inevitable. It’s going to happen whether you like it or not. Your job, relationships, health—nothing stays the same forever. So, when you’re faced with a big change, take a breath and focus on your choices. Ask yourself, "What can I do right now that aligns with my core values?" Make decisions that resonate with who you truly are.

Imagine this scenario: You’ve been working at the same company for years. You’re comfortable. You know the drill. But then, out of nowhere, the company announces a major restructure. Roles are changing, departments are merging—everything you knew is up in the air. You’re scared, maybe even angry. But here’s where you pause and reflect. What are your principles? Maybe it’s integrity, maybe it’s innovation. How can you make choices that reflect those values? Perhaps it’s time to take a leap into a new role that challenges you, or maybe it’s the push you needed to finally pursue that passion project.

The beauty of this wisdom is that it doesn’t promise an easy ride. It doesn’t say change will be painless or that choices will be clear-cut. It merely suggests that by sticking to your principles, you can navigate whatever comes your way. So the next time life throws you a curveball, don’t panic. Remember, you’ve got three constants to rely on. Embrace the change, make thoughtful choices, and let your principles light the way.