Overall I would say NO. I am the same person I have always been, in most respects. I am still very methodical. I still love writing. I still enjoy trips to the mountains and the ocean. I am still very committed to my family.
But you will notice changes beyond the physical. As I get more in touch with the part of me I have hidden for so long various aspects of my personality are blooming.
I have always been very sensitive. Now I am growing to be a very compassionate person. In the past, I found it easy to look the other way. Now when I see suffering, it hurts and I want to help.
In the past, I didn’t put much thought into dress or style. I usually chose clothes that were earth tones that allowed me to blend in. Now my choices are more expressive, with light colors and a focus on a simple style.
I don’t know that I can express this in a way that you will understand but for me, one of the biggest changes is becoming more accepting and seeing a bigger world. In the past, I was very focused on me and mine. Now I see so much more. The world is so big and there are so many different people to learn from and enjoy.
Then there is gratitude. I have spent a lot of years dwelling on what I lack. Nothing much has changed there. I still have plenty of wants. But more often I find myself staring at a beautiful sunset, or just looking at my wife or kids and gratitude overwhelms me. God has blessed me so much.
I am sure there are other things, but those are the things that are clear to me right now. You might disagree, but from my perspective, I am changing for the better, and I am so grateful for all that God is doing in my life.