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