Change Begins With You

“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Making a change in the world starts with realizing you have the power and ability to change who you are. One of the most important life skills you can possess is knowing how to react to circumstances around you. We are all familiar with the Serenity Prayer, right? Change what you can and know what you can’t. What you can certainly change is yourself.

“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference, living one day at a time; enjoying one moment at a time; taking this world as it is and not as I would have it.” Reinhold Niebuhr

There are many ways to help to make the world a better place. Start by being kinder to people. You can care, foster or mentor someone. You can volunteer your time and/or expertise. You can provide supplies or give monetary donations. There are so many local organizations and charities that would appreciate anything you can give.

The other day I was listening to “A Minute with Maxwell,” a daily inspirational video with teachings by John C. Maxwell. The word of the day was “selflessness.”  It is the ability to care for others, see others, help others, and live beyond the small limitations of your own personal real estate. John explained that people are always in need of another person to help them to be successful in life. One of my greatest passions is helping people succeed by imparting knowledge and wisdom. I challenge them to look at a situation differently and see the solutions that will help them improve their lives.

Considering the recent tragedies happening around the world, I am more thankful than ever for my loving, healthy family. I believe those of us who can help, should be reaching out to people in need in our own communities and throughout the world.

This week, do something to help someone close or a stranger, whether near or far. You will be contributing to the change in the world you want to see. Do not wait another moment to start improving the world around us. You can and do make a difference!

Thankful,
-Ralph