What is it about Change? Why is it so hard?

Quotes on Change:
We all have big changes in our lives that are more or less a second chance.
Harrison Ford, quoted by Garry Jenkins in 'Harrison Ford: Imperfect Hero

Change has a considerable psychological impact on the human mind. To the fearful it is threatening because it means that things may get worse. To the hopeful it is encouraging because things may get better. To the confident it is inspiring because the challenge exists to make things better.
King Whitney Jr.


This isn't good or bad. It's just the way of things. Nothing stays the same.
Real Live Preacher, RealLivePreacher.com Weblog, January 03, 2004Anonymous author of RealLivePreacher.com

Here's what Dictionary.com says about change:

Audio Help (chānj) Pronunciation Key v. changed, chang·ing, chang·es v. tr.
To cause to be different: change the spelling of a word.
To give a completely different form or appearance to; transform: changed the yard into a garden.
To lay aside, abandon, or leave for another; switch: change methods; change sides.
To transfer from (one conveyance) to another: change planes.
To give and receive reciprocally; interchange: change places.
To exchange for or replace with another, usually of the same kind or category: change one's name; a light that changes colors.
To lay aside, abandon, or leave for another; switch: change methods; change sides.
To transfer from (one conveyance) to another: change planes.
To give or receive the equivalent of (money) in lower denominations or in foreign currency.
To put a fresh covering on: change a bed; change the baby. v. intr.
To become different or undergo alteration: He changed as he matured.
To undergo transformation or transition: The music changed to a slow waltz.
To go from one phase to another, as the moon or the seasons.
To make an exchange: If you prefer this seat, I'll change with you.
To transfer from one conveyance to another: She changed in Chicago on her way to the coast.
To put on other clothing: We changed for dinner.
To become deeper in tone: His voice began to change at age 13. n.
The act, process, or result of altering or modifying: a change in facial expression.
The replacing of one thing for another; substitution: a change of atmosphere; a change of ownership.
A transformation or transition from one state, condition, or phase to another: the change of seasons.
Something different; variety: ate early for a change.
A different or fresh set of clothing.
Money of smaller denomination given or received in exchange for money of higher denomination.
The balance of money returned when an amount given is more than what is due.
Coins: had change jingling in his pocket.
A pattern or order in which bells are rung.
In jazz, a change of harmony; a modulation.
Music
A pattern or order in which bells are rung.
In jazz, a change of harmony; a modulation.
A market or exchange where business is transacted. Phrasal Verb(s): change off
To alternate with another person in performing a task.
To perform two tasks at once by alternating or a single task by alternate means.

Transmute, transform; vary, mutate; amend, modify. Change, alter both mean to make a difference in the state or condition of a thing or to substitute another state or condition. To change is to make a material difference so that the thing is distinctly different from what it was: to change one's opinion. To alter is to make some partial change, as in appearance, but usually to preserve the identity: to alter a dress (to change a dress would mean to put on a different one). 3. replace, trade. 4. trade. 7. convert. 10. vary, mutate, amend. 18. transmutation, mutation, conversion, vicissitude. 21. exchange. 25, 26. replacement.
—Antonyms 10. remain. 18. permanence.