Change Your Deck, Change Your Life

A Reflection on the Power of Renewal

This past summer, I found myself knee-deep in a project that brought home a lesson I’ve long held dear: "Change Your Mind, Change Your Life."

Sixteen years ago, we built the front porch of our Cottage with longevity in mind. We selected durable materials, designed it to withstand the elements, and, in our minds, expected it to last a lifetime. It was a structure built with care, intention, and a certain permanence.

But as life often teaches us, nothing is truly permanent—not even the things we build with the greatest of care. Over time, our needs, tastes, and even the world around us can change, making it necessary to revisit and revise our earlier decisions. The front porch, while still in good order, no longer served us as it once did. The world had moved on, and so had we. Our needs had evolved, and so had our understanding of what would best serve those needs. And so, it was time to change.

The Hard Work of Letting Go
The decision to replace the porch was the easy part. The hard work lay in the deconstruction of what we had previously built. As I pried up the boards, each one nailed down with the intention of lasting forever, I couldn't help but draw parallels to the process of changing one's mind.

Changing your mind, like changing a deck, is not always easy. The beliefs, habits, and ideas we’ve held onto for years often feel as solid as those nails driven deep into the wood. They served a purpose once, providing us with stability, comfort, and a sense of identity. But just like that old deck, they can become outdated, no longer fitting our current needs or the life we wish to lead.

The process of letting go can be challenging, taxing, and even painful. It’s the work of loosening the grip of the past, of removing the nails of outdated beliefs and habits, and of making space for something new and more fitting. It’s the recognition that what once served us well might now be holding us back, and that the act of deconstruction is just as important as the act of building.

Rebuilding with Intention
With the old deck gone, we turned our attention to the new one. We chose bamboo, a material that is both sustainable and aesthetically pleasing—something that aligns more closely with our values and our vision for the future. As we laid down each plank, I felt a sense of renewal, a reconnection with the philosophy that has guided much of my life: "Change Your Mind, Change Your Life."

This process wasn’t just about building a new deck; it was about embracing change, about recognizing that just as we evolve, so too must the things we build around us. Our lives, like our homes, are a reflection of our current selves, and they require periodic updates to stay aligned with who we are and where we’re headed.
Rebuilding with intention means making choices that reflect our current values, aspirations, and circumstances. It means not being afraid to let go of what no longer serves us and having the courage to build anew, even when the work is hard and the future uncertain.

The Power of Metaphor
As I stood back and admired the new deck, I was struck by how powerful this metaphor truly is. Changing your mind—whether about a porch, a career, a relationship, or any other aspect of life—is an act of courage. It’s a willingness to acknowledge that we don’t have to be bound by our past decisions, that we have the power to create something new and better suited to who we are today.

In life, as with the porch, the decision to change is only the first step. What follows is the real work—the deconstruction of the old and the careful, intentional construction of the new. But the reward is worth it: a life that is more in tune with our true selves, more aligned with our values, and more fulfilling in every way.

A Lesson in Flexibility
One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned from this experience is the importance of flexibility. Just as bamboo is known for its flexibility and resilience, so too must we be flexible in our minds and hearts. Rigidity may offer a sense of security, but it can also prevent us from growing, evolving, and adapting to the changes that life inevitably brings.

Being flexible doesn’t mean being weak or indecisive; it means being open to the possibilities that come with change. It means recognizing that life is not a static structure, but a dynamic, ever-changing journey that requires us to stay adaptable, resilient, and willing to evolve.

Final Thoughts
As I sit on our new bamboo deck, I’m filled with a sense of satisfaction and peace. The old porch served us well for many years, but this new deck feels like a reflection of who we are now—more aligned with our values, our aesthetic, and our vision for the future.

The process of deconstruction and reconstruction was a powerful reminder that life, like a porch, is something we build and rebuild over time. It’s a reminder that we have the power to change our minds, to change our lives, and to create something beautiful and new whenever we choose.

So, if you find yourself standing on a metaphorical old deck, don’t be afraid to pull up the boards, remove the nails, and start anew. Change your mind, change your life—and watch as the world around you transforms in ways you never imagined possible.

Contact: peter@fullspectrumleadership.com

Peter Comrie of Full Spectrum Leadership

Tags: #renewal #Letting Go #intention #change #Peter Comrie

#WRN News