Change may be the only permanent thing in life, though there are many who can't look change in the eye. But it is not difficult, if you follow the points mentioned here.

Change is something that most of us shy away from. The reason could be that the changes are, very often, forced on us. What if we changed ourselves by choice, rather than compulsion?

Well, before that, you might want to know why we should change ourselves. Change is basically a change in our perception of life changes. Once our perception changes, our attitudes and belief systems change. Vedanta scholars say that once one's attitude changes for the better he has located the first step towards self-realisation, the ultimate goal of man.

There is only one master key to the door called 'changing oneself' and it lies with the individual. Nobody else can do it for him. At best, outside factors can influence a person, but change has to be wrought by the individual.

Any change is possible when one is aware, when one knows where and when to apply the knowledge that one has gleaned. Knowledge comes when a person has sifted and sieved information that he has gathered. For this too, one needs to be aware of what's important, relevant and so on.

In other words, awareness is not something that springs to a person at a particular age or stage. It is something to which one remains sensitised and which increases as one's knowledge increases.

There are five stages a human being generally goes through before change happens in him. The first step is crisis. A diabetic has to change his diet and his style of living when the diagnosis has been made. The moment he accepts the necessity to change and decides to respond to the call, he has crossed the first step.

The second stage is hard work. This calls for a lot of mental exercise. For the diabetic, he has to first get his goals in view. What are his immediate goals? Live, and comfortably too, enjoying life as best as he can. His homework begins here. He has to become aware of the necessity of change, the consequences that he may have to face in the event of not changing and the changes that he will have to implement. He has to change his diet, take his food, medicines and injections (if advised) on time. His activities should allow him time for these necessities. If he does not change his life style, he could land up with other debilitating or life threatening diseases that could cramp his living. He has to make his choice. It is a mental decision at this stage. While it is possible that one may feel overwhelmed at the very thought of changing, there is no escape from the fact that he has to do it.

Making a commitment to yourself about going ahead and implementing the changes is the third and most important step in the process of change. The relief that comes with making the decision defies description -- it has to be experienced.

Consider this -- you have not actually implemented the change you desire. But if you are able to take a concrete decision it will enhance your self-worth.

The fourth stage is the temptation to backtrack, because of the pain that you did not bargain for. There may be moments of frustration when you will be tempted to give up and go back. 'Let the kidney fail, I'll face it then. I can't take this regimen now', is a frequent cry that diabetics give vent to. Push yourself. Ask a kidney patient or a relative about kidney failure. The diabetic will soon realise that saying a firm 'no' to temptation is worth it. The miracle will happen.

A diabetic patient cannot be cured, but he can control the disease by diet control, exercise and medication. With such a lifestyle you won't need insulin injection.

The last factor is the realisation that you have changed and are comfortable with it. Nobody other than you can know how much and against what odds you have succeeded in changing yourself.

The other miracles are not far away. That is your first and greatest reward. The power of the knowledge that you have changed. Enjoy your triumph.