Changing Paths challenge day 14: changing paths.

Changing paths is a wibbly-wobbly thing. During the process, I was all over the place. It was like having the bends (you know, the thing where a diver rises too quickly to the surface and gets cramps) or being on a giant scary roller coaster ride. That’s why I wrote the book, in the hope of helping other people to have a gentler ride through the process — regardless of their starting point or destination. Although the second half is about joining Paganism, it’s fairly applicable to joining any group.

It’s hard to write about the period during which I was wobbling. My mind keeps sliding away from it. Partly because it’s embarrassing, partly because it was painful.

Change is hard. Being undecided about something is hard. The fear is unpleasant—especially when it’s not accessible to rational process to get rid of it. It requires a combination of rational thought AND filling the void with something more meaningful —as John Beckett once pointed out in two excellent articles, linked below:

John Beckett (2015), ‘Escaping Fundamentalism.’ Under the ancient oaks.

John Beckett (2020), ‘Exorcising Fundamentalism: The steps on my journey.’ Under the ancient oaks..

Changing Paths is published by 1000Volt Press and is available from all the usual online stores. Ask your local bookseller or library to stock it!

The goal of the book is to help you decide your own path by guiding you through the perils and pitfalls of the terrain, and asking questions to help you deepen your understanding of the reasons for your desire to change paths.