Top Ten Things to Think About If You Want to Change the World

[Dazon50]

By Michael Angier

Mahatma Gandhi believed that we must be the change we want to see in the world. This was well demonstrated when he helped India gain its independence. Gandhi was a revolutionary man, but he accomplished India's emergence as a nation without starting a revolution. In fact, he advocated no violence. One of the most powerful countries in the world yielded to the commitment of one man and the dream of millions.

What change can we effect? What's the difference we want to make in the world?

Gandhi said, "In a gentle way you can shake the world." Here are some things to think about how to do just that …

1. Know that all significant change throughout history has occurred not because of nations, armies, governments and certainly not committees. They happened as a result of the courage and commitment of individuals. People like Joan of Ark, Albert Einstein, Clara Barton, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Edison and Rosa Parks. They might not have done it alone, but they were, without question, the change makers.

2. Believe that you have a unique purpose and potential in the world. It's not so much something to create as to be discovered. And it's up to you to discover it. Believe that you can and will make a difference.

3. Recognize that everything you do, every step you take, every sentence you write, every word you speak-or DON'T speak--counts. Nothing is trivial. The world may be big, but there are no small things. Everything matters.

4. To be the change you want to see in the world, you don't have to be loud. You don't have to be eloquent. You don't have to be elected. You don't even have to be particularly smart or well educated. You do, however, have to be committed.

5. Take personal responsibility. Never think "it's not my job". It's a cop-out to say, "What can I do, I'm only one person." You don't need everyone's cooperation or anyone's permission to make changes. Remember this little gem, "If it's to be, it's up to me."

6. Don't get caught up in the how of things. If you're clear on what you want to change and why you want to change it, the how will come. Many significant things have been left undone because someone let the problem solving interfere with the decision-making.

7. Don't wait for things to be right in order to begin. Change is messy. Things will never be just right. Follow Teddy Roosevelt's timeless advice, "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."

8. The genesis for change is awareness. We cannot change what we don't acknowledge. Most of the time, we aren't aware of what's wrong or what's not working. We don't see what could be. By becoming more aware, we begin the process of change.

9. Take to heart these words from Albert Einstein--arguably one of the smartest change masters who ever lived: "All meaningful and lasting change starts first in your imagination and then works its way out. Imagination is more important than knowledge."

10. In order for things to change, YOU have to change. We can't change others; we can only change ourselves. However, when WE change, it changes everything. And in doing so, we truly can be the change we want to see in the world.

The following is inscribed on the tomb of an Anglican Bishop in Westminster Abby (1100 A.D.) …

When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change, so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country.

But it, too, seemed immovable.

As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it.

And now, as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realize: If I had only changed myself first, then by example I would have changed my family.

From their inspiration and encouragement, I would then have been able to better my country, and who knows, I may have even changed the world.

Since my 10-point list above was inspired by Gandhi's belief, it seems appropriate to end with another of his quotes: "Consciously or unconsciously, every one of us does render some service or other. If we cultivate the habit of doing this service deliberately, our desire for service will steadily grow stronger and we will make not only our own happiness, but that of the world at large."

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[Dazon50]

Well...my meeting was cancelled by the participant's mom who is struggling with a health issue today...so I am off the hook.  Part of me wanted to get it over as I would be through the final training part if I did well and flying solo from here on out, so now I get a little more time to prepare and be "nervous"!!!

I had asked for prayer & was all set for this afternoon.  LOL...just goes to show that the best laid plans of man are laid to ruin.  Go with the FLOW!!!!

thanks for all the great input.  It is so uplifting to see the encouragement FLOWING!!!

[painbrain]

. *****Believe that you have a unique purpose and potential in the world. It's not so much something to create as to be discovered. And it's up to you to discover it. Believe that you can and will make a difference. *****

I think it is so hard for most of us to remember that simply BEING, who we are, once we decide who we want to be, is the highest form of freedom and liberty there can be!

Often it seems the entire world is set up to keep us from being who we want to be.  But I have also begun to realize, that sometimes in this life, we have to "fall on our arses"  in order to have the point of view we may need in order to decide who we really want to be.

The cool thing is, no matter who you were yesterday, you get to decide who you want to be today.  And every today therafter.

And when you really think about it, what do really have to hold on to, but today?

All of us supporting each other are acts of selfless service that Mhatma would endorse I am sure.
~PB

NIce to meet you Dalubaba!
Namaste

:)

[Dazon50]

I wish you LOTS of LUCK!!!  Don't I know the urge to do other things...lol!!!  I come here instead of studying what I should...sigh......  Delayed gratification!  I need to limit myself today to get through the next day & doing the 3rd shadow visit & then...splurge by coming into Medhelp :-))

You remind me and I will remind you :-)))  That is what support is.

Blessings

[Dalubaba]

I thought i read "one minute ago" where as it is written "16 hours ago" so my eye have played trick on me. So my remark about insomnia and insomanica is invalid. Sorry.
In fact to-day i am procrastinating.I have to prepare for filing income tax return. I do not like that work. so i am posting here and there and running away form the filing work.I know the trick "how to make an uninteresting work into interesting work. I have taught to my colleagues.But for the filing work, i am a failure.So wish me best of luck for filing up income tax return.Thanks.

[Dalubaba]

Gandhiji's last quote seems to apply to you. Very very  good article.We are on line to-gather. what is the time there. By writing on insomnia, i think you are becoming  inomaniac(.I think i design the word)