Change Starts with You

Change is a word that many people fear. However, change is necessary to growth and opportunity.

Beginning to create change and make a difference starts with one person and their behavior… You!

The knowledge that one person’s behavior is able to create change and make a difference in other’s lives may feel both overwhelming and empowering. However, while it might seem overwhelming and empowering, you must remember this is part of the process of growth and opportunity.

On one hand, putting focus on yourself can feel more comfortable than believing the entire world must change for something great to happen. On the other hand, it can feel like an immense mountain to climb all by yourself.

You must remember not to lose heart while doing good.

If you are changing for the better, do not lose heart. It is rewarding to know the best way to create change in others and the world, is by changing yourself first. Creating change in yourself begins with personal responsibility.

Take note that being responsible for your actions is the beginning step on the road to influencing others.

When you change, others see a positive change, and the results that follow, they want to make a positive difference as well.

Here are some words found in the back of No More Mondays by Dan Miller (page 241) (Amazon Link) attributed as found on a tomb dated A.D. 1100 of an Anglican Bishop at Westminster Abbey:

When I was young and free, and my imagination had no limits,
I dreamed of changing the world.
As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change,
so I shortened my sights somewhat and
decided to change only my country.
But it, too, seemed immovable.

As I grew into my twilight years,
in one last desperate attempt,
I settled for changing only my family,
those closest to me, but alas,
they would have none of it.

And now as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realize:
If I had only changed myself first,
Then by example I would have changed my family.
From their inspiration and encouragement,
I would have been able to better my country and,
who knows, I may have changed the world.

People make their most significant impact in areas that mean the most to them. A child who struggled with not having enough food to eat growing up might grow to be an adult who works to end hunger. Someone who didn’t have access to education might spend their time promoting literacy.

Creating personal change makes a difference in life. Each one goes through personal trials, struggles and more.  The ability to create change and take place, even in the storms of life. When tragedy strikes, there are usually two reactions people experience: (1) depression, or (2) an urge to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

People are different in the manner they handle situations. Two people can face the same situation and have radically different reactions. One person may fall into deep depression and retreat from life, and the other may use their issue as a starting point for making a difference.

Our desire is to create positive change in our lives so we can assist others in making positive chance in theirs.

There are as many unique ways to make a positive change in other’s lives. You can start to make a positive change by asking yourself a few questions:

  • What is something about which you feel strongly?
  • In what ways do you naturally give your time and your resources to help others?
  • What are you gifting to others?
  • In what areas of your character do you receive the most compliments?
  • What events have happened in your life to create space for concern and empathy for others?
  • What are the things you know how to do that can make life easier for others?

Beginning with these questions will start your thinking about what matters to you. They will help you also answer what personal and unique experiences you have had that can help you make an impact.

You can start with the answers to these questions to realize that you already have the tools to do something, somewhere, that will ripple forth and make a change for the better.

When you realize you have the tools and the experience, you can move forward with confidence that you can make an impact, and that no matter how insignificant you feel in the grand scheme of things, you are vital and very much needed.

So, what are you willing to change, positively to extend your impact to those around you?

Just some thoughts,

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