Well…. I Have Definitely Changed
Image by rougerouge.
I have experienced some major changes in my life to date. In the past year alone, I have become a father for the first time, I have relocated from Australia to Canada, and I have started a new job (to name but a few things!).
These are all obvious changes, ones that are easy to identify. My biggest changes, though, have been internal. Since starting this personal development journey many of my thoughts and actions have done a complete 180 degree turn.
I always think back to the way I handled the news I was to be a father. Our son, Xavier, was an “unexpected surprise” and I definitely did not handle the news well for about 2 months. “My life is over, I am doomed to a life of poverty, I will never again have the freedom to travel the word…..” - these were just a few of the thoughts I had. And my unhappiness was reflected in my behavior at the time - I drank too much alcohol, and I didn’t give my partner the love she deserved when she, herself, was going through a difficult stage.
Now when I look at my son, who has just turned 10 months old, it is impossible to wish for my life to be any other way.
So I have changed. And recently I received proof of this….
Next year in July 2008 Kathryn and I are expecting our second child. Whilst this was a bit sooner than we were planning, in the 4 weeks since I found out my thoughts have been entirely positive. When last time I turned 
to alcohol for comfort, this time I didn’t touch alcohol for 2 weeks. Instead, I calmly savored the news with camomile tea (how manly!). Whilst this abstinence was a subconscious choice, I also believe that a part of me wanted to prove to myself that I have changed. And I have…. I have definitely changed for the better.
So it’s going to be another big year for my family and I.
Wish us luck with our next “little monster”. 
21 Comments
December 14th, 2007 at 2:12 pm
Applauds!!!!
“this time I didn’t touch alcohol for 2 weeks. Instead, I calmly savored the news with camomile tea (how manly!).”
Congratulations. That’s a huge accomplishment! And congratulations with the new baby as well!
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December 14th, 2007 at 2:15 pm
Congrats!
I’ve been lurking on your blog since its’ inception, but today is the day. Along with changing yourself, it seems that you have definitely introduced some change into my own life.
Thank you!
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December 14th, 2007 at 2:20 pm
Peter,
Your son is beautiful. Congratulations for the child on the way, too. I admire your courage to share in a very open and real way. Best wishes to you and your family for continued blessings.
Alex
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December 14th, 2007 at 2:40 pm
Congratulations Peter!
You’ve come a long way and accomplished much.
I wish you and your lovely family the best!
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December 14th, 2007 at 3:18 pm
Peter,
Congratulations on your family! And compliments to you for turning those old paradigms on their heads.
I really like the way you described your change - your thoughts and actions turning 180 degrees. Those are precisely the paradigm and attitude shifts needed for change.
Many people say that they’ve become ‘a new person’ once they’ve embarked upon the jouney of personal development. I don’t believe that we can become new people. Instead, we keep enhancing ourselves and bringing out the best in the person we’ve been all along.
Good wishes to you and yours.
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December 14th, 2007 at 4:19 pm
Congratulations Peter and Kathryn!
Watching my two kids over the years (now ages 5 and 2) has taught me SO MUCH about personal development! I know that you little ones will do the same for you, so be sure to enjoy every moment!
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December 14th, 2007 at 7:06 pm
Congratulations, Peter… I’m happy to hear that you have another source of unconditional love about to enter your life.
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December 14th, 2007 at 7:06 pm
Congrats! What an awesome blessing!
I’m jealous, I’ve been trying to convince my wife to get a 2nd child and so far she’s been resisting the idea. Please share the wisdom on how I can change her mind.
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December 14th, 2007 at 7:28 pm
Your son is adorable! Thanks so much for your inspiring blog.Many blessings to you and your family.
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December 14th, 2007 at 8:19 pm
Congratulations!
Our children are the greatest joy we have in our life, and like many, we had to wait a very long time before we could have them.
I was 37 when I had my daughter, and 43 when I had my son.
Now I can’t imagine my life without them–what on earth did I DO before them?
Again, congratulations, and count these two little people as your greatest blessings.
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December 15th, 2007 at 4:34 am
Amazing!!!
These kids are as lucky to have you as a father as you are to have them as children
Have a great holiday season with your family and my best wishes to your wife!
Sev
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December 15th, 2007 at 5:23 am
Thanks everyone for your kind words
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December 15th, 2007 at 10:02 pm
Congrats Peter and rock on with the camomile tea!
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December 16th, 2007 at 1:47 pm
That’s really happy news Peter. Another big year of changes awaits!
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December 17th, 2007 at 2:27 pm
[…] S C presents Well…. I Have Definitely Changed posted at I will change your life . […]
December 18th, 2007 at 8:27 pm
Peter, I came onto your site from the blog carnival at Change your tree. I love this article. Strange as may sound, kids can be responsible for a good amount of our personal development. My friends have quit smoking just before their first child was born. Thank you for sharing!!
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My Positivity Blog http://positivityhub.com/
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December 23rd, 2007 at 9:30 am
[…] Next comes TheChangeBlog.com, with the ultimate Christmas gift–news of the upcoming second baby! Wonderful news! Check it out at http://www.thechangeblog.com/2.....fe-change/ […]
December 25th, 2007 at 6:17 pm
Haha, so you are giving the first Christmas to your baby while expecting the next soon! Congrats!
Akemi
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