Does it make sense that HB’s ( Human Beings) can “ change”

@olman Change in what way?
Over the past 5 years, I have made or am in the progress of making, a number of changes in myself and my approach to life.
Some are long-seated and quite difficult to achieve - having always been a Type A + person, I am trying to slow down for my safety as life deals me physical challenges - it only works sometimes.
Trying to be more present in the moment - observing/enjoying what is around me - this is getting easier, but the temptation to always be moving/working/multitask sometimes crops up and must be beaten back.
Listening better - or here on Mayo Connect - trying to see the person behind the words - again Type A tendencies to jump to a solution - again a work in process.
Seriously considering my spiritual journey - how I was raised, what I was taught or learned throughout life and what I finally believe - sorting through it all is a challenge - but it informs how I view my life today and moving forward, and how I wish to live it. This is, of course, emphasized as we say out temporal farewells to friends and family.

All of this has changed how I view life - while many of my acquaintances become less tolerant of our rapidly changing world, I find myself more able to sit back and appreciate the diversity. And to see parallels between things of the past and the present - how ideas ebb and flow throughout history.

Delicious question, (@olman)! I, for one, believe change IS possible––at ANY age. I'm 80 and I continue to work on change. Let me say, however, I'm not a New Ager, nor do I cotton to psycho-babble. With that disclaimer, I'm all rah-rah! for change. Just a few days ago, my partner suggested I read a New Yorker article on perfectionism. I harumphed as I often do, mumbling 'Okay, okay I'll read it. Well, I read the article, got to the end, set the magazine down, and right away thought, 'Holy sh*t! Maybe perfectionism's been my problem all along? Maybe perfectionism's the reason I've never completed X, Y, and Z? Possible?' I refuse to steer us into a discussion about perfectionism: Does it exist? Is it harmful? Is it a myth? Or is perfectionism (assuming it exists) actually a help to living happily and effectively–– not a hindrance, after all? I bring up perfectionism only because the possibility that perfectionism has been a lodestone in my life for all these decades is only too real. At 80, I'm going to investigate perfectionism and, if I think it necessary, do something about it. The poet Rilke knew what he was talking about when he said, ' … for here there is no place/that does not see you. You must change your life.' And with that, I'll shut up. I've a few other things I must do with what remains of this dwindling day. However, I hope others will continue this discussion. I'd like to add the occasional two cents. My best wishes, @olman.

Interesting question. I actually think we are always changing--sometimes improving, sometimes deteriorating. You might be asking about radical change--like a conversion experience? For me, I try and remember that no one is planning to change because I've nagged them! I try to emphasize small positive changes where I have some possibility of success. For example, I know I can't change my basic personality--I'm impatient and I was born in NYC where certain behavior that is considered rude elsewhere is usual. But I can practice being more accepting. I guess this is kind of "lead with your virtues or strong points." Is your question in part about trusting a person who says they have changed?

Ahh, change! The dreaded human obstacle. Perhaps it is possible to modify one’s thinking and behavior to some extent. Hopefully, we can all change our minds when provided with new information. Trouble is we tend to see what we want to see and ignore the rest so we can keep our beliefs intact. Looking back I feel I have changed over the decades, mostly due to the calm approach to life of my spouse. The world is changing for sure. It is my sincere hope that mankind can change for the better and learn to love themselves, others, and all living things on the planet with respect. That would certainly be a positive change for the world.

I love this whole thread! Let’s keep sharing opinions on change. As for myself, I believe we can change. The issue lies in recognizing something in us or that we do etc. needs changing. It takes some self reflection and a lot of determination, as well as the ability to accept we will fall but can get up and keep working on it. It’s hard work

Makes perfect sense. I had a friend who was a hard drinker, slight drug user, and skeptic. I confronted him one day about his condition..."What would happen if you were to drive away and be head-oned by a huge truck and be killed. Do you know where you would be, if anywhere?". Would you be in God's presence or in the presence of Satan? Or, nowhere at all? Jesus said that he was the only way to God. We have all sinned; the wages of sin is death; sin separates us from God. God loved the world so much that He gave his only son that whoever believes in will not perish, but have eternal life. When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we are cleansed from all our sins and made right with God. He blew me off, mumbling something.

A few Sundays later, He was in church with his family. When the pastor asked for anyone wanting forgiveness and new life to come forward, I could hear some steps coming up the center aisle. There was my friend, almost running up to the front, falling on his knees, praying with the pastor, tears streaming down his face. That day his life "changed" forever, (like mine had done). That was over forty years ago. My friend eventually gave up drinking, smoking, and recreational drug use. He settled down to become a real, living family man dedicated to serving God. I could go on and on, but I hope you understand what I am telling you. May you be blessed and experience the change that God has waiting for you.

The only constant in life IS change. We change and develop from the day we are born.

Human growth and development never stops. Some are fast learners and some are slow learners. It is impossible to stay the same at any age.

I think you bring up a good question
I am a perfectionist and have been my entire life. I feel the need to further help others and prevent harm or like in my spouses case, I try to foresee any harm or help him through his walk with Parkinsons. It wears me out. But.. I really don't care as long as he gets care and feels loved. I am not perfect by any means. I know I can't fix anything, unless is fixable. If he needs a meal, an ear to talk to, a question about something that I can answer I am there. The hardest part as I cannot stop Parkinsons and I know this..but it definitely will always be there. He is an awesome human being and other times a person I don't recognize. I try to understand , but it's not ok if he treats me dis respectively. I am strong and can work circles around anyone if I have to. Sadness follows me wherever I go and we get another diagnosis added to the already more than anyone should have to take. He is doing PT and ST. It is helping a great deal. He feels like he has control of something. Thank you for your insight. Made me think and realize I cannot do everything alone.