Change for the Better – By Tony Thomas

Change! Not until recently in my personal life did I realize what ‘change’ really meant, or the effect that it could have on you. Not too long ago, I was forced to confront a situation that would change my life forever. Many times in life change scares us, or maybe it’s the thought of what comes with it that causes us to feel apprehensive about accepting it. Over the course of one’s life, you will be faced with many hard decisions and obstacles that will of course, bring change to your life. Some is inevitable such as graduating from high school and entering the “real world” and other changes are a result of choice, such as a move to a new city, or starting a new job.

Sometimes we get so comfortable with our status quo that we forgot that change can also bring out the best in you. It can elevate you to a higher level, and help you accomplish things that you never imagined. There are two distinct ways that you can react to change. The first is to resist it, and of course the second option is to accept the change. At times, resisting change may do little to enhance one’s life; it could cause stress and unnecessary fear and worrying. However, accepting it and evolving, can lead to opening your mind to creativity, ingenuity and endless possibilities.

In my personal situation, I honestly had mixed reactions to the change that was forcing its way into my life. My initial reaction was to resist it, and then after deep thought, I accepted it, knowing that it could lead a new and exciting part of my life. From my personal experience, no one likes to be criticized, and to be told that they need to change. Whether you know you need to change or not, it’s very sobering, humbling, and occasionally refreshing to hear it from someone else, whether it be a friend, family member, spouse or co-worker. A change of scenery or an unexpected change in plans is not all bad.

All change is not negative; there are plenty of changes that are positive and rewarding. At the Manassas Park Community Center, we certainly embrace that thought of mind. We want to help shape the future by offering programs and classes that promote healthy living, and challenge you mentally and physically to help you reach and maintain your optimum level. We have classes for all ages from toddlers to seniors, and the goal is the same for each of these programs, which is to “Shape the Future”. If you want your child to learn how to swim, we have swim lessons. If you want tone up, we have fitness classes and personal training. If you want to learn to improve your computer skills, we have a community use computer lab. If you want to learn how to bake a perfect cake, we have baking classes available. These are just a sample of the programs that we offer at the Community Center that can bring a positive change to your life.

Sometimes the hardest part about change is taking the first step. If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry, we have a great front desk staff that is more than willing to explain to you all that we have to offer and the benefits of becoming a member at the Community Center. We have great lifeguards and swim instructors that will help you as you take swim lessons. We have dedicated and passionate instructors that will help motivate you as you finish your last rep, and our instructors in Zumba class will have you dancing and feeling as though you can accomplish anything.

Take it from me, change at times, is something that can be inviting and have benefits that you never imagined. If you are interested in any of the programs, classes or rentals that we offer please feel free to contact me at t.thomas@manassasparkva.gov

Thanks for reading!

Tony        

Tony Thomas is the Recreation Services Supervisor of the Department of Parks and Recreation. He can be reached at 703.335.8872 or via email at t.thomas@manassasparkva.gov