How you can change the world...
Changing the world? That's a tall order, isn't it?
Well, no - we change the world every day, just by being in it - we all change things all the time, we move stuff round, we share information, we raise smiles.
There are all kinds of ways to change the world, and all kinds of quotations about it and it's not up to us to tell you what to change. But if you want to change something and have no idea where to start, this might help. Maybe.
Sometimes an inspiring thought is all it takes to set us off on a path of change, sometimes it's a great person, or a traumatic event, a eureka moment or a problem. Anything can set us off. Ghandi said 'Be the change you want to see in the world' and that's something we can all do. Imagine what the world would be like if it didn't need changing any more - what would it look like? What steps can you take to make those changes happen - hate litter in the road? Don't drop it, and tell people why. Hate sweatshops? Don't buy stuff from them, and find and share alternatives. Love your local park but hate the dog mess in it? Work out a plan to do something - you'll not be the only one. Change can be in your back yard, your street, your neighbourhood, your head or the world. It's up to you.
The first step is probably to pick something - anything - that you want to change. Think about finding other people who think the same way - remember Margaret Mead's words, 'Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has', or Goethe's, ' Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it'. Share the responsibility and rewards with others - none of us are as alone as we might sometimes feel. Be brave. Seek joy. Compost. Jump in a puddle now and then, walk a tightrope on a kerb - learn that not so many people care what you're up to and then feel freer to do what you believe in without worrying about their opinions.
If it all still feels a bit much, and that next cup of tea and a biscuit is luring you away from thoughts of change, curl up, enjoy, and savour this beautiful thought from Marianne Williamson as you do*.
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God*. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
Ready to go yet?
*Please note, this website is written by an atheist who didn't want to let the use of the words 'child of god' get in the way of sharing a bloody good quote.
