“Be the Change” ~Series on Change Pt. 4

It’s been awhile since I was able to write, partly due to internet not working.  Thankfully that got fixed and I am back (in case you were wondering why I haven’t had as much content lately) to bring you some more inspiration, picking up where I left off on this series of “Change” I have been doing for Fall.  Because I keep thinking of more material (plus a giveaway), this series will continue right through the new year! If you have missed the first 3 parts of the series, Just click HERE to go directly to the archives on this topic at my website.  I have made a new category called “Series on Change” where you can find all of these articles in one place (Under the “Inspiration Station” tab online).

 

 

So now let’s get to it!  We last left off talking about how Acceptance and Faith were 2 key elements in dealing with any types of changes we encounter in life (this could be relationship changes, jobs, aging, marriage, divorce, changes in finances, or even just the change the world as a whole is going through).  I was inspired to write about one of my most favorite quotes that just so happens to fit in with this series, so I am making it today’s topic:

 

“Be the change you wish to see in the world”    ~ Mahatma Gandhi

 

A powerful statement, because it means that we can have some sort of control over the situations we feel out of control of-if we are willing to do something about it.  Change starts with us.  We can BE the change!  I could go 2 different directions with this quote, as it means 2 different things to me.  So I will!  🙂  (but will save part 2 for next time)

 

Years ago , when I first heard this quote, I latched on to it for the simple fact that I am not always happy with how this material world operates.  This quote inspired me to set myself apart from what “the world” is often doing, and be my own unique person. If you are a person who likes to study biblical scripture, there are some verses that tie in to this whole “being a non conformist” thing.

1. “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.   ( Matthew 7:12,New American Standard Bible)
2. “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”  (Romans 12:2,NIV)

 

 

After I read the quote by Gandhi years ago, it became one of my mantras.  I literally have that phrase scattered all around me.  I have it as one of my Facebook quotes on my personal page, I have it written as the banner on my cell phone, it is embossed in a bookmark I often use when I read, I think I have a journal with it on there, etc!  It’s a reminder to me to keep my sights on being the person my spirit knows is right, in a world that often tells me otherwise.  (It can also help when I encounter situations where others are not being so nice, to serve as a reminder of my core beliefs and how I want to respond).

(You can click on the images to see enlarged versions-including the full work of art for the We Live Inspired website 🙂 )

 

What are the changes I wish to see in the World?

• More love, less hate  (like less “tough talk” , bullying , meanness, etc.)

• Less focus on “self” and more focus on taking time to reach out to others in need (serving others)

• More simplicity (less complication & hurried-ness)

• More light and less darkness

• More peace (which would make for less stress)

• Tradition and good values  (like honesty, integrity, kindness, politeness, ethics, pride in one’s work, etc.)

• Less vulgarity and harsh words (I am not a prude, but bad language or super raunchy stuff is over used a LOT today and I sometimes wonder what good it really does for the spirit-ya know?)
• More focus on the things that really matter in life

• Less pride, and more humility

• More respect.  Respect for others, for ourselves, for the environment, and for all living things.

 

 

I just may be a tree hugger, an old soul, or both 😉 , but those are the main ones that come to mind for me!   When it comes to changes, we don’t have the power to directly change people or even the entire world as a whole.  I do believe though, that change starts with one person-ourselves.  I think that is what that quote means.  We don’t have control over others actions or reactions, but we can have some control over our own with mindfulness and self awareness.  Change starts from within and I do think that by “Being” the change we wish to see, we can sometimes indirectly change our environment or others around us in the process!  If nothing else, we are at least taking responsibility for our part in things.  That being said, can you imagine how awesome the world would be if each individual person made a serious effort to try to “be the change”?

 

 

As for myself, I know what changes I would like to occur in the world, and I know what I want my legacy to be.  I don’t want to be known as perfect, because perfect I am not, but I do want to be known as someone who is kind & gracious with good values and class.  Someone who is generous, shows God’s love, helps others in need, someone who is humble enough to admit where I lack, and earnest enough to work at growing in areas that need growth.  Someone who can make people laugh or comfort them in their time of need, respect God’s creation, and show grace and mercy, even when it would be easy not to.  (There are other things also, but these are the things that go with this topic today).

 

It may sound like a tall order, but I don’t wish for perfection.  Time and experience has taught me way too much about how impossible that is!  I know I will fail miserably at these things sometimes and I am ok with that.  The important thing is that I know what I aspire to BE and I believe we do become what we consistently seek out or focus on.

 

I have some thought provoking questions for you and would LOVE it if you would share your answers in the comments section below (weliveinspired.com), on our Facebook page, or even just in a private email if you wish.  Here we go!

1. What are the changes YOU wish to see in the world?
2. How can you be the change?
3. What do you want your “legacy” to be?  How do you want to be known?

 

shared @ Katherine’s Corner