It seems like everyone these days is shouting about change,
but the lines are drawn, and the battles are being waged on social media, in
the news, on the ground. It’s a shouting
match that no one seems to be winning.
We all want change. We desperately need change! But what
does that change look like? What should it look like?
What I would like to see is a change that brings about peace,
common sense, and responsibility to one another and the world we live in. But how do we get there with everyone trying
to out shout everyone else, in a world full of agendas and fake news, at a time
when everyone wants something, but few understand the cost of anything, be it freedom
or financial?
I believe the first steps we must take is working on transformation
within ourselves and in our own lives.
In the next few weeks I am going to focus on a serious of
steps we should think about in making the transformation from where we are to
where we want to be.
The first step is to Focus on YOU!
You’ve heard the saying “be the change you want to see in
the world”. Honestly, this is the very foundation on which to build a happier
and more fulfilling life. The first step for transformation and creating a more
fulfilling and happy existence is by changing our own thoughts, patterns, negative
behaviors.
Seriously, what do we have control over other than ourselves?
Our thoughts, our emotions, our actions.
First our thoughts. When we focus on the little things in
life that make us happy, we find more things to be happy about. When we are grateful
for small blessings, we realize that we have so many more things to be grateful
for. When we have faith that everything happens for a reason and start to
believe that things will work out the way they should, our paths and our purpose
become clearer and we begin to let go of the fear that is holding us back.
Stepping into faith is a powerful tool.. use it!
Another thing we must focus on is our emotions. Happiness is
easy when things are going great. But what about when things aren’t going as
planned? How do we deal with difficult situations and people in our day to day
lives? What is your go to response when negativity hits you squarely in the
face?
One key idea that we must learn and accept is that we cannot
control other people or situations. We only have control over how we respond. Notice
I didn’t say react, I said respond. Reacting implies that we do not place any thought
into how we interact in a negative situation. Responding with a clear
understanding of our limitations in changing the situation or mindset of the
other person indicates that you have done the work on yourself and have a firm understanding
that what you do next will determine the outcome. Sometimes a peaceful discussion, understanding
and compromise will work. Sometimes agreeing to disagree or even simply walking
away is the best response. It doesn’t matter how you choose in that moment to
respond, what matters is keeping your emotions in check and moving forward in a
positive direction.
Understanding how we judge others and limiting that behavior
will go a long way in improving your relationships. Do not approach anyone or
anything from a place of judgement, because that really says more about you
than it does the other person. Our judgements are born within ourselves.
Understanding that we all come from different backgrounds, no matter how
similar we appear to be, will go a long way in acceptance and understanding,
and peaceful co-existence.
Finally, it is in the actions we take that we will find our
happiness. The above 2 principles are part of that action. We focus our
thoughts, we keep our emotions in check, but we must also take action on a
regular basis to make a difference in the world. If you see someone struggling, give them a
hand. If you come across someone who is feeling sad or depressed, be a shoulder,
and an ear if they need it. Don’t try to fix it, just be in the moment with
them and follow their lead.
Speak up about the positive changes you want to see in the world, rather than fighting against what you don’t want. Support the causes you feel passionate about in a positive way so that the light you shine on them will draw more positive attention and support to it. Walk your walk!
Speak up about the positive changes you want to see in the world, rather than fighting against what you don’t want. Support the causes you feel passionate about in a positive way so that the light you shine on them will draw more positive attention and support to it. Walk your walk!
Always remember to live authentically. Be honest in your
interactions with other people, in your conversations, in your work, in your
life. Be mindful of sharing thoughts and
ideas. Are they kind, helpful, honest, true? The more authentic you become, the
more you walk away from negativity, the more the people in your life will
change. Those who tend to be negative and bring you down will start slipping
away and slowly be replaced with those who support, uplift, and encourage you.
And that’s ok! Let the changes occur. As certain people start to drift away say
a silent thank you for what you have learned from them and wish them the best.
In learning and practicing these simple steps, you will
begin to see the positive transformation you are seeking. It’s a journey and there will be other
lessons, but the work must first start with you.
