I’ve always been a worrier (that’s WORRIER, not WARRIOR!). Picture a long scroll of paper, the end fading out somewhere into eternity; written on it, are my worries. Usually I concentrate on the top 3 things, which vary from day to day. Frequently the Top Worry actually turns out not to be a problem and miraculously disappears, but then the Next Worry immediately bubbles up to take its place anyway. That’s what inside MY head is like!

Most of these worries are about change. Some are minor, requiring a little damage control; others are Capital C Changes which could shake the foundations of my world: People leave, beloved places are lost forever, familiar situations and relationships change - often not in a good way.

I was once required to attend a Motivational Class called “Embracing Change.” I think the point was that we should be adventurous, and open ourselves up to the new and wonderful things which Change can bring. I wasn’t buying it; when friends around you are losing their jobs and you’re wondering who’ll be next, it’s not so easy to be enthusiastic about the “new adventure!”

Tonight my Worry List has the following Top 3 Items:

1. Eldest daughter went away to college today. (What if she is unhappy away from home? What if she is TOO HAPPY away from home?)
2. Tenants moving out of Family Home and we have it up for sale. (There goes another tie with the past and my childhood, plus guilt for putting a price on the Family Home.)
3. School starting for younger daughter. (What did I forget to buy? Is Pre-Calc Honors and AP English asking too much of her? Should I have been a “Tiger Mom” instead of a Pussycat - too late now to “change”…)

So how to cope with change worries? Well, if you’re like me, you grab that skein of Noro Taiyo Sock Yarn you’ve been hoarding, and EMBRACE THE CHANGE!!! Now, these are the kinds of changes I LIKE! I don’t know what color is coming out of the middle of that ball next, but I like them all! It’s an adventure all right, figuring out what each row should be to best show off these gorgeous colors – and so I say…

BRING ON THE CHANGES!

+++ Thanks to Nemosuke for charts, Jaye-Yarns for test-crocheting, and EffinEffie for editing!