I love the buzz any holiday creates. Birthdays and holidays are an excuse to step out of the routine and do something different.

Which might be why I surprised myself when earlier this week, as Halloween evening set in, I found myself zig-zagging around town to select “the” pumpkin and a few bags of candy before the first trick-or-treater showed up. All good – I got it figured out before the first zombie appeared.

But what I found most surprising is an observation I made when it came time to carve the pumpkin.

As I cut my circle with a notch on the top (so I can quickly close it properly later), I realized I’ve always done things the same on Halloween.

• Pick out the same “breed” of candy.
• Find a medium, round pumpkin.
• Carve the top just right so I know how to put it back on.
• Set the seeds aside to fry with butter, salt and pepper. (Nothing more, nothing less.)
• And (I’m embarrassed to admit) – carve “the usual” Jack-O-Lantern.

As the hassle of carving with a dull knife set in, I realized my pumpkins have had the same face for more years than I could track. Eyes look to one side, mouth opens to another like he’s spooked.

I find it funny, really. The expression, that is. Not the fact that I’ve repeated it every year without the thought of trying something different.

You see, my dad carved that pattern when I was likely too young to swoop a knife, and I loved it. So I remembered it an mimicked it when I started hosting pumpkin carving contests after I became a homeowner. The beloved expression quickly became my go-to. My trusted pattern. It was simple, easy and the perfect plan to fall back on.

Only, I’ve “fallen back” on it every year for over 10 years. Maybe even closer to two decades at this point.

At that point it’s just boring, right? Autopilot is an awesome indicator of the need for change.

So, I sketched an idea I liked and swooped my knife a little different this year, and (surprise!) still loved the outcome. Though minimal, it felt good to make a change. It even inspired me to try an Almond Joy, a piece of candy I’ve hated since I was a kid. I used to think people gave that out so we wouldn’t come back the next year – or ever. After years of holding that judgement, I found this year it was not actually all that bad, though I still think using “Joy” in the name is a misnomer.

I realize this whole experience probably sounds like I really know how to throw a party, which I obviously don’t. However, it got me to thinking about how we do with change.

Some seem to embrace it, love it, look forward to it. Others experience distress. I like to refer to this as our R/C Value, the level at which we resist change.

So, where are you at?

Change is sometimes a little tough, but I can’t think of a time I didn’t appreciate it afterward. Looking at it, approaching it and going through it isn’t always a fun time, but it usually means you grow. Growth isn’t easy, but it’s a big component of having a life worth living.

Personally, I have noticed my most notable resistance to change in the past two years has been the change of seasons. Whatever season we’re in, I find I’m in love. YES. EVEN WINTER.

Winters I’ve fallen in love with snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. I love seeing the white, the pretty flakes and snowblowing. Or at least 2/3 of those things.

So when spring approaches, I cringe. I like feeling cozy inside and I don’t feel ready for Spring to spring.

But Spring springs and I start thinking about my garden. Growing. Grass. Green. And I fall in love all over again. I don’t want it to stop!

How did I even claim I loved winter?

Then summer comes, and I fear it fading away. And before I know it, fall is here and gone, providing not even half the number of days I need to wear all my sweatshirts and jackets even once.

Can you relate?

I’d encourage you to think about your highest resistance to change. Is it something your spouse is trying to introduce you to? Could it be a transition at work? A different vehicle? A new technology? A different belief? Breaking down a barrier you’ve held?

Even down to the simple differences: laundry detergent, routine, type of coffee. Have you tried something new lately?  

One thing is for certain. If you’re feeling stuck in a rut, determine what you’re most resistant to. Then take the first step in moving through it.

Shootin’ the Wit is a sporadic blog about everyday life that should never, ever be taken too seriously.