Be the Change

Be the change. 

As we look around we often see things that we do not like, and may make comments about how we wish things could change. Sometimes falsely we think things used to be better as we long for the good old days. 

They may or may not have been. I've found as I've studied history that in many ways things are so much better today than a hundred years ago. We have made so many discoveries that have improved the overall quality of day to day living. Of course, nothing is finished or perfect, and there is always room for change. Hopefully, this change can improve the lives of even more people. 

As I look for ways that I can bring about change I first must begin with a loving heart. By doing my small part, maybe I can help change things for the better. 

If I can share what I've learned then I might be able to improve someone else's circumstances. If I can point out injustices, and untruths I might just open someone else's eyes to do the same. 

If I can do this with love, compassion and respect than I am doing my part in being the change as well as promoting the change that is possible. Being open to another's views, being available to help when needed, and being there just to listen are all very feasible ways of making the world a better place. 

If I can use my resources and gifts to help others then I will have lived a valuable life, and can feel more connected. Our actions do not need to be grandiose. Using what we are good at, and what we enjoy is the best way to start changing the world. 

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world."

Mahatma Gandhi 

Change One Thing

Change one thing.

If you could change one thing about you or your life what would it be? Is there something your spouse or family wishes you would change?

For some it might be health related, or possibly job or location related. Maybe it's a bad habit that you just can't seem to break. Perhaps if you utilized the right tools you could accomplish your goals. 

Sometimes the very thing we want to change is just a part of our nature. Not that we can use this as an excuse for bad behavior that affects others, but maybe we should be a little more kind to ourselves about our shortcomings. 

I think for me my tendency to interrupt, to respond too quickly, and my sarcastic undertones are all things I wish I could change for the better.  Of course sometimes these traits that I view negatively when used appropriately can really be strengths. 

I truly believe that we have control over many of the changes we want to make. As I've pointed out before, if you are really serious about wanting to make a change, a good resource is Gretchen Rubin's latest book, The Four Tendencies. Once you have identified your tendency you canuse the  guidelines she provides to more successfully bring about this change. 

What works for me will often times not work for you unless you happen to be an upholder. Luckily, one tendency is not any better than the other, and all are capable of change. 

As you contemplate something you might want to change consider getting started sooner than later. 

"Don't expect to see a change if you don't make one."

Unknown

Change Somebody's Day

Change somebody's day. 

We've all heard of Random Acts of Kindness, and how certain days can be dedicated to doing just so. What a wonderful way to make a difference. Just by doing one random act you might completely change somebody's day. 

I have enjoyed painting rocks, and leaving them along the path where I walk each day. It is my hope that the person who finds the rock will be encouraged or inspired. The other day my husband bought lunch for the security guard at work as they waited together in line. 

My 91 year old aunt has been known to send a thank-you card in response to your thank-you card. Hearing from her always puts a smile on my face, and encourages me to be more thoughtful. Even just acknowledging someone at the grocery store with a smile might change the trajectory of their day. 

I've heard of people as they celebrate their birthday choosing to do that number of random acts of kindness. In doing so it really takes the focus off of what others can do for you, and places it in on what you can do for others. 

We rarely have the chance to change someone's life, but the trickle down effect of an act of kindness might just get the ball rolling. Whether it be paying for a stanger's coffee in the drive-through or stopping by to visit an elderly parent, little things can mean a lot. 

Look for ways that you can change somebody's day. 

"Think for a moment of the impact a ray of sunshine has on a flower. Now think about the impact of a simple smile."

Lisa Desatnik

A Change of Heart

Change of heart.

Have you ever had a change of heart? It's interesting how we can be so adamant about how we feel, and then something changes, and we find ourselves thinking differently. I find also that during situations like these there is a softening of the heart that results in a kinder, more gentler you. 

We cling tightly to what we know, what we have been taught, and what we believe to be true. Allowing yourself to be more receptive to change, might result in viewing things in a different way. Sometimes what holds us back is not having reached out to the unknown. 

A change of heart can allow you to be less judgemental and can open the door for better understanding. It's easy to compartmentalize those things you do not want to address, but putting a name to a face allows for a more compassionate stance. 

I believe that most of us probably have core values that we consider nonnegotiable, however, sometimes we just need to soften around the edges to make a difference. I found once that it wasn't until I had a personal relationship with someone that I gained a new empathy for their struggle. My change of heart made for a deeper friendship. 

Never shy from an opportunity to have a change of heart when it comes to showing love for your neighbor. 

"A change of heart leads to a change in behavior..."

Marianne Williamson

Change Your Mistakes

Change your mistakes. 

Have you ever done something that you wished you could have taken back? I remember once saying something flippantly that ended up being hurtful. It killed me that I had said it, and I did everything I could to repair the damage. 

Luckily, I was extended forgiveness and life went on. Except I learned a very valuable lesson that day. Words are powerful, and if we are not careful we might not be so lucky the next time. 

I considered my action to be a mistake, but if I had continued to say hurtful things it would have become a deliberate action with no regard for the feelings of others. 

One of my guilty pleasures is the Housewives series where it seems that every action is considered a mistake, but is repeated regularly. Somehow the victim is supposed to continually extend forgiveness for the thoughtlessness of others. 

I remember once when I was in graduate school my very wise professor pointed out that if we continued to make the same mistakes we really couldn't claim them to be mistakes. At that point our actions were deliberate, and for what ever reason must have a pay-off of sorts. 

Luckily for us we are capable of changing. Along the way we may slip up, but if we are extending an honest effort to improve then we should not get discouraged, and continue to make the same "mistakes."

"The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing."

John Powell

Change How You Shop

Change how you shop. 

I used to take great pride in my couponing ability. One summer my daughter and I became quite good at it, and scored many a deal. We always came away with a kind of high at our good fortune. 

I found myself stockpiling toothpaste, deoderant and band-aids in my upstairs linen closet. If you needed it, I probably had it. Of course, there was no possible way I could have ever used the hundreds of individual band-aids that I had hoarded. 

Yes, I'd say at that point I probably was hoarding them. I kept telling myself that I had gotten such a great deal, and in fact many of the products taking up valuable shelf space I had actually received for free. 

I spent many an hour pouring over the Internet and paper looking for deals. I was elated if I received double copies of coupon inserts. Now I can honestly say that I never ordered multiple papers or begged neighbors for their coupons, but I would say that I had become border-line obsessive about the whole ordeal. 

I kept convincing myself that I was saving money, but if truth be told I'm not sure I was, because I was constantly shopping. That store famous for its own special cash sucked me in time and time again to return to the store to spend the "free" money that had accrued. More times than not, I'd purchase something I really didn't need, and would spend more of my own money on the difference.  

Over time I came to the realization that if I just stayed out of the stores, and basically purchased the things I really needed and a few things I wanted, I would end up saving a whole lot more money. Now don't get me wrong, I'm never one to turn down a deal, and if I can find something on sale I will, but shopping to "save" money doesn't really make that much sense. 

Especially, when you consider all the extra stuff that begins to accumulate in your home. I have a whole collection of Chaps jewelry that I basically purchased for pennies on the dollar, that sits in a furniture-sized jewelry box I received as a gift in order to accommodate it all. I rarely wear any of it, and now looking back it seems a little wasteful. 

I know for me since I changed my shopping habits I seem more content, and have found, because I shop less I really don't mind spending the money on something I really want, even if it happens to cost a little more. I guess it has more to do with quality than quantity. 

"Don't just declutter, de-own."

Joshua Becker

Incremental Change

Incremental change. 

I came across a Japanese philosophy of improvement called kaizen that I found quite interesting. The word basically means "a change for the better." 

 This change is accomplished through a series of slow, incremental actions. What I like about this approach is that by keeping a mindset of slowly achieving a goal, we might not be so quick to give up if we don't see instant results. 

Recently I attended a talk where the speaker had us take an inventory of our habits. I was quite pleased in all areas except one. As much as I was attempting to incorporate healthy habits into my life I was missing the boat when it came to drinking enough water.

Using this approach of kaizen I strategized that if I began by adding a glass of water first thing in the morning while I'm getting ready, I could begin to make a change in drinking enough water. This would not require too much extra effort on my part, but would automatically up my daily consumption of H2O.

After this habit became a part of my routine I could look for another time in the day to encorporate one more extra glass of water. I've known for a long time that keeping the body hydrated is important, but for some reason I have been reluctant to do so. I'm thinking maybe it just never became a habit of mine. 

Just like what we learned from the persistent tortoise, slow and steady wins the race, and we just have to keep our eye on the prize.  The speaker asked us to commit to the healthy habit that we chose for a period of twenty-one days. I'm not really sure there is an across the board number that works for everyone, but I'm willing to give it a go. 

If there is something you have been considering changing maybe using the philosophy of kaizen might be a simple way of helping you get started. 

"Success is the sum of small efforts repeated day-in and day-out"

Robert Collier

When To Change

When to change?

Change is an interesting thing. Although, on the one hand we may know that change will be good for us, often we are reluctant to do so. Sometimes it seems an impossible task, or simply too hard for us to even consider.

Yet, we may find ourselves coming back to the same spot time and time again. For some, it is not until they hit rock bottom that they actually execute a change. Others simply get tired of always returning to the same place, and simply say, "No more."

What I do know is that you probably won't be successful with change if you are not ready for it yourself. For each person this is an individual ride, and one that others really can't push you into. They can encourage you, and cajole you, but if you decide to make a change it will have to be up to you. 

I know for me, it can take a long time to get there, but once I do I generally have some level of success. What I find, though, is that I can easily drift back to old habits if I'm not careful. Of course, when this happens I have to start the whole process over again, but to be honest, I'd rather start again than totally give up. 

Once you are in that place where YOU have decided you are ready to change it is best to move forward. Whether it be baby steps or a huge jump whatever works best for you is worth considering. Rarely, will you find someone who wishes they never changed if the change itself results in a happier life. 

"Your desire to change must be greater than your desire to stay the same."

Unknown

Change Your Genre

Change your genre. 

We all seem to know what we like, and what we are naturally drawn toward. However, never venturing past that may not be the most advantageous way to live our lives. Because if we haven't tried something, we don't know what we don't know. Along with possibly discovering a new favorite, our brains will probably thank us just for the novelty involved. 

Genre does not have to apply just to books. It can also involve our choices in movies, music, food, or even design. It's easy to fall into the comfort of the known, and not venture much past that, however in doing so that's when life gets interesting. 

An example of this for me was sleeveless shirts. Now I know that might sound trivial, but for years I had avoided baring my arms because I didn't feel comfortable showing their imperfections. Except, that when I took the plunge, I found I really loved the look of a sleeveless shirt. My insistence on sleeves had resulted in a pretty frumpy look, and I found myself with a new spring in my step as I explored new fashion options. 

Over the years I've read the same authors over and over again. After a while I began to think that I could have written their latest novel, because it's not unusual for authors to become predictable in their work. I found myself venturing out into YA or young adult fiction, and found a myriad of new authors, and who knew that dystopian novels could be so much fun?

A new food choice for me would be hummus. Whether it's roasted red pepper or eggplant it's the perfect compliment to DIY pita chips and raw veggies. If I had never given it a try I would have missed out on a healthy, tasty treat. Of course, I've also sampled other genres that were just not my cup of tea, but either way I'm glad I did. 

Changing the station, or the aisle at the library might result in a new found favorite. You never know until you do. 

"Never be afraid to try something new because life gets boring if you stay within the limits of what you already know "

Anonymous

Change Your Activity

Change your activity. 

Left to my own devices I could be perfectly content kicked back on my couch surfing the net. Except, that I know couch potato does not usually end well. So I've tried to up my activity level in simple ways. 

Living in an apartment will automatically accomplish this. No longer having a car parked right outside my door requires a long walk down the hall to the parking garage. what used to be a short walk down the driveway to throw out the trash is now a combined trip with picking up the mail. Not being able to let the dog out into the backyard to take care of business is now a walk beside the lake. 

Another way to assure that you are up and about is to set an alarm on your phone to go off every hour, and get up and move for five minutes. Apparently this small action is better than sitting all day. This could also be accomplished at the office, as well if you find yourself sitting at your desk too long.  At my husband's work they even have standing work spaces that allow people to get up out of their office chairs. 

Having a Fitbit is a tangible way of tracking your steps. My husband has been known to take an extra lap around the building after working out if he hasn't reached his 10,000 steps yet. I wish I could say I was so faithful to a specific number each day, but I do like seeing how far I've walked. 

Making small changes like taking the stairs, or parking a little further away can help add more activity to your day. When the weather is inclement having a mall close by can contribute to more regular walking. Having a dog that needs to be walked can do the same. Sometimes it's easier to do something for someone else other than yourself. 

The benefits of staying active seem to range across the board. From maintaining your weight, to managing stress, to possibly warding off chronic illness that may come with aging, being active seems to be a win-win. 

"The greatest wealth is health."

Virgil

Change Your Brand

Change your brand. 

I find it interesting that many of the products I use today are the very same ones that my mother used. Crest toothpaste, Dobie kitchen scrubbing pads, and Jiff peanut butter to name a few. I wonder why that is?

Over the years I have remained true to the same brands, rarely trying anything new. On occasion I might venture out, but the familiarity of what I already know generally keeps me from doing so. 

Growing up my best friend's mom used to always come home from the grocery store with some new product to try. It was always fun to be there when she did. My mother, on the other hand, was much more predictable about her grocery list. 

I think for me, my reluctance to change has more to do about risking what I might not like for something I already know I do. As I've repeatedly written in the past, I am drawn to the known and routines, except I'm now finding myself more willing to venture out, and try something new. 

A big change for me was actually prompted by my daughter who when in college began to do her own grocery shopping. She seemed to have no trouble purchasing the store brands, and her example encouraged me to give it a try. I soon found that not all, but many of the brands were either just as good, if not better than the brands I had shown loyalty to over the years. 

Trying a new brand of peanut butter is not an earth shaking action, but being open to change just might be. Looking more at change as an adventure, and adopting a win some lose some attitude might even  bring a level of fun back to the grocery store. 

With the recent opening of a Whole Foods around the corner, I now have a plethora of new brands and products to give a try, and I'm looking forward to doing so. How open are you to trying a different brand?

"We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths."

Walt Disney

Change Your Priorities

Change your priorities. 

It seems when you are younger your priorities are often based around accumulating. Whether it be possessions or accolades, either way they seem to take priority.

However, as you find yourself moving into new decades, the things you once found so important seem to pale. You find yourself appreciating life in a different way. 

I can remember being in my thirties and forties when having the right house or the right car was extremely important. Even the right purse made a statement. I worked hard to make sure I accomplished this priority. Except now in my sixties none of that seems as important as it once was. 

I'm finding family, health and time to be big on my priority list now. As I anticipate a visit from my daughter and grandson, as I look for ways to incorporate healthier choices in my lifestyle, and as I enjoy writing my blog while sitting outside on my patio, I find contentment in the priorities of my life today. 

These changes have occurred almost organically, but I am so grateful they have. Examining what you prioritize might prompt you to bring about change. I've discovered that what really is important is not what others deem to be so, but rather what you know in your heart to be true. 

Sometimes it takes courage to say no to the priorities society places before us, but the peace and contentment of that change can be life altering. I'm so happy my priorities have changed. 

"Action expresses priorities."

Mahatma Gandhi 

Change What You Know

Change what you know. 

Recently I've found myself learning more about the benefits of healthy eating. I'm noticing that I want to take a more proactive role in possibly preventing illness and disease, and I'm learning that what we eat can help determine this. 

I've had a lot of preconceived notions about things I've been told in the past, but I'm learning that new information seems to be coming forth regularly. What we thought to be true yesterday, may not be true today. 

Being receptive to changing what you once knew, and exchanging that knowledge for something new isn't always easy. I find it more comfortable to just do what I've always done. 

However, comfortable doesn't necessarily mean more productive. Recently I had bloodwork down for my annual check-up, and the results were astonishingly better than six months ago. What had changed in those six months were changes in my eating habits, and changes in my knowledge about food. 

I personally think it is important to always being open to learning something new. If through the choices we make we can look and feel better, and maybe allow ourselves to age more gracefully then I think it's worth considering. 

Of course, being open to changing what you know can go across the board as it doesn't have to just be about what you eat. Changing what you know doesn't automatically result in having to change what you believe, but it can lead to better understanding. Plus to me, it just makes life more interesting.

"Understanding motivates change."

Dr. Oz

Change Your Bedtime Routine

Change Your Bedtime Routine

I've reached that age where it's not only harder to fall asleep, but also harder to stay asleep. After many sleepless nights I decided it was time to do something about this unpleasant circumstance. 

I had read that establishing a bedtime routine could help alleviate this problem. Up until now I had been pretty willy nilly about my bedtime habits. Although, I usually went to bed about the same time, I had apparently acquired a lot of non-sleep inducing habits. 

I'd still be finishing my glass of tea long after dinner, I'd be on my i pad up until my head hit the pillow. If it wasn't the i pad, it was the television. None of these contribute to good sleep. 

What I'm learning is that electronics can really interfere with your ability to sleep.  Of course, caffeine is a given, and I'm not sure who I was kidding. 

Today I've including the following steps, and they do seem to be helping:

No electronics one hour prior to going to bed-I've been reading instead

Having water instead of tea at dinner time

A glass of herbal tea designed to aid in relaxation about thirty minutes before bedtime

Diffusing lavender 

Playing relaxing music as I get ready for bed, and as I start to drift off to sleep 

Having a very comfortable My Pillow

All of these things seem to be contributing to a better night's sleep. Along with the annoyance of not being able to sleep, being sleep deprived can effect your overall health. As easy as it was to just plop into bed, I'm finding its worth the change to establish and maintain a bedtime routine. 

"The best cure for insomnia is to get a lot of sleep."

W.C. Fields

Seeds of Change

Seeds of change. 

I like the idea of planting small seeds of change. These seeds can be sowed as encouragement, kindness, courage, or even respect toward those who think differently than you. 

The Bible reminds us that the tiny mustard seed grows into a tree large enough to provide shade for the birds who make their nest in its branches.  Its size does not prohibit it from great purpose. 

A common theme that seems to reoccur in my writing is that small acts can generate significant changes. I like the idea of sowing these seeds of change in hope that they will make a difference in the lives of those whose paths we cross. 

Look for ways that you can do the same, and help cultivate the kindness made possible through your small actions. 

"Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love."

Mother Teresa

Change of Venue

Change of venue. 

It's easy to get caught up in our day to day lives, and lose sight of the value of change. Visiting new and different places really is good for the soul, and a way that change can enhance your life. 

In my family we like to tell the story about the time my father drove us several hours to Hot Springs, Arkansas, made a quick trip around the center of town, and then started to head back home. My husband asked if it would be okay if we could step out of the car, since we'd traveled so far, and maybe locate one of those hot springs?

It's one of our funniest memories, and we were glad we had the opportunity to stick our feet into the hot water. I've found some of my best vacations were quick week-end trips that ended up being lots of fun with very little stress and preparation.

Changing your venue is the perfect way to do this. Recently, Chuck and I stopped for lunch in a small town, and decided to check out the square before leaving. We came across an unexpected shop that specialized in artesian soaps. My first instinct was to keep on driving, but I'm so glad we stopped. 

Just like that trip to Hot Springs, we had the opportunity to experience something different. By the time we left I had purchased several handmade soaps, and am enjoying them in my home today. 

Far away excursions have their place, but there might be a venue right around the corner that you haven't discovered yet. For me it was a beautiful local botanical garden in the town next door. Discovering this gem was a perfect way to enjoy the beauty of outdoors.  

Change doesn't always have to be big or elaborate. Sometimes it's as simple as a change of venue. 

"Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind."

Seneca

Change of Seasons

Change of seasons. 

I find that at the end of each season I begin to anticipate the next. Whether it's the bright green buds of spring, the long days of summer, the crisp autumn air, or the coziness of winter,  I enjoy the changes they bring. 

Years ago my husband was stationed in Jamaica, and although that might sound like paradise, he found the constancy of the seasons to get old. When every day is basically the same you begin to crave change. 

As much as we may claim to not like change we seem to embrace the change of seasons. Perhaps this is because there is a predictablity and familiarity to them. Of course, we all have our favorites, but generally there is something we like about each. 

The changing seasons can be a guide to our own life encouraging us to look forward to and anticipate change. The paradox in my life is that as much as I like routine and the familiar, I find myself getting bored, and seeking change.  

Maybe we should look toward the seasons as natures way of embracing change. 

"Just like the seasons, people have the ability to change."

Unknown

Change Your Direction

Change your direction. 

Do you like the direction you are headed? Have you taken the time to consider how the choices you make today may impact your life tomorrow?

The encouraging thing, though, is that most of the time it is not too late to change course if you've gotten off track. Changes in diet, activity, and purpose can make all the difference in a more satisfying life. 

As we age we may hold the keys to our future through the choices we make today. The direction we are headed now may have direct consequences on the future. If our lifestyle choices are not contributing to where we want to be ten or twenty years from now, maybe we need to change direction. 

I like to ask myself if what I'm doing today is helping me get closer to my goal or is pushing me away? When I'm tempted to stay on the couch, and skip my walk with Cooper just reminding me of this often does the trick, and gets me moving. 

Knowing that a glass of tea at dinner might keep me awake later that night, results in a refreshing glass of water with lime instead. Receiving a glowing blood work panel makes maintaining my weight worth all the effort. 

As you travel down the path of your life ask yourself if you are traveling in the right direction, and if it might be time for a change? 

"If you don't change direction, you may end up where you are heading."

Lao Tzu 

Change Your Attitude

Change your attitude. 

This is such a powerful tool at our disposal, and yet it is often something we refuse to use.  When we find ourselves unhappy or discontent many times it's just easier to remain in that state. We may even recruit others to join us as we've always been told, "Misery loves company."

For me I have found myself at different points of my life harboring a bad attitude. It seems to become all encompassing, and my tendency to obsess comes into play. But, what I've learned over the years is that just by changing my attitude it can completely turn things around. 

We seem to become what we dwell on. If I spend my time always looking for the negative in the world, then I'm probably going to find it. If I allow myself to become overwhelmed by a task thinking there is no good way to accomplish it, I will probably be correct. However, if I choose to live with the attitude of looking more for the good than the bad, I'll probably handle the bad much better. 

A revolutionary tool that has helped me over the years is something I learned from author Gretchen Rubin. She writes about the fallacy of false choices. In other words thinking that there are only two choices to a dilemma, and your hands are tied.  In doing this we can truly feel stuck, and our attitude of hopelessness can overcome us. 

In realizing that there are usually many more choices than the false choice of two, we can begin to make the changes needed to improve our situation. Don't allow a bad attitude to ruin your day. Look for ways you can make changes, and reap the benefits that a good attitude can bring. 

"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude."

Maya Angelou

Change Your Vantage Point

Change your vantage point. 

I missed out on something pretty special the other day because I wasn't paying attention. Not only was I not paying attention, I did not consider for a moment to keep my eyes open for the surprise that came about. 

Chuck and I had finished eating lunch at a small town restaurant known for its mean chicken fried steak. As he was waiting in line to pay the bill, I slipped out and sat down on a bench where I immediately plugged into my i phone. I sat there for at least five minutes paying no attention to anything, but the small screen in front of me. 

When Chuck walked out he mentioned the kitty, who apparently had been sitting under the bench next to me the whole time. I was completely disappointed that I had not spent the last five minutes loving on the adorable feline right beside my feet. It never once occurred to me that there would even be a cat sitting under a bench, as my city girl bias was clearly showing. Furthermore, I was so intent on checking my social media, that I never once looked up or under to see what treasures might be right before me. 

My vantage point was well honed to not really pay close attention, and I completely missed out on the sweet little creature beside me. I remember once taking an art appreciation class in college where our assignment was to look at the world through the eyes of only being an inch tall. It completely changed how I viewed what had been commonplace up until then. I really had to pay attention. 

The allure of my phone and i pad should not be at the cost of missing out. There was a time when people watching was a favorite pass time. I'm hoping I've learned my lesson, and will change my habit of distraction. Changing your vantage point could make all the difference in how you view the world. 


"I've been a big fan always of getting my camera in different places and trying to seek the unusual vantage point."
Joe McNally

Make Small Changes

Make small changes. 

Inspiration can happen in the strangest places. For me it was the restroom at Trader Joe's where I came across a wall hanging that caught my eye. 

It got me to thinking about how sometimes we can become overwhelmed with change in our life, and just opt to not change anything. When the truth is that small changes can really add up. 

I used to devour fiction like chocolate, but noticed over the last few years that my taste tended more toward nonfiction. Although, I was still reading, it saddened me that I had given up my beloved novels. I found that my attention seemed to waver easily, and unless the story really grabbed my attention I would quickly lose interest. 

I attributed some of this to the fact that I had read hundreds of books over the years, and so many of them felt so familiar. Despite this I still believed there was a value to the genre, and did not want to give up on fiction. I made a small change that seems to be working well. 

I made the decision to read one fiction book a month. That would result in twelve books that I probably wouldn't have read before. Now twelve is not an astronomical amount, but it is worlds ahead of none. Twelve times more, to be exact. I'm finding that giving myself the entire month  to finish is quite reasonable, and I primarily read before drifting off to sleep at night. 

Setting realistic, manageable goals will ultimately lead to more success. My sister and her friend are agreeing to meet three times a week at a local gym. They too have had success with keeping their changes small. Just like in weight loss, one pound becomes two, and two becomes three. Before you realize it your pants are beginning to feel a little lose around your middle. 

Step by step, making small changes really can change your world. 

"Small acts change the world."

Trader Joe's

Change Your Shoes

Change your shoes. 

I know for some, especially women, shoes can almost become an obsession. I'm afraid due to my practical nature my shoe collection probably pales next to most. 

However, as I thought about shoes, I couldn't help, but consider them more metaphorically. When I first began teaching I was always looking for ways to encourage my students to write. This was long before it was officially part of the curriculum, and my students wrote for the pure enjoyment it brought. 

One of the prompts we used was to consider what it must be like to walk in the shoes of another. Typical of the times some of the shoes we included were Princess Diana and Tony Dorsett. Either way it allowed my second graders an opportunity to look at the world through the eyes of someone else. 

I must admit that I can fall short in this category. I can be quick to jump to conclusions and criticize. It is not my proudest quality. However, as easy as it is to do, the truth is that we really don't know why people act as they do.  

Maybe not being so quick to judge, and as St. Francis encouraged us to do, we should first seek to understand. In doing so, we might be able to offer comfort to someone going through a difficult time. 

Putting yourself in another's shoes requires empathy and compassion, but in doing so it can help change the way we look as others, as well as ourselves. 

"Don't judge until you've walked a mile in someone else's shoes."
Nadia La Russa