#2 - What I can control.

I want to change the world, obviously.  Who doesn't?

However, I have recently come to the understanding that trying to change anyone other than myself is often a foolish venture (at best).

Still doesn't stop me from thinking I can change the world.

Wait.  If I know that the only change I can affect with any certainty is internal, how do I expect to change the world?

Easy.

First, I need to continue to consciously work to be a better human being.

I should probably pause here for a bit of disclosure: I believe in the teachings of Jesus, and I live in the Christian faith tradition.  However, I'm not here to tell you that the only way you can do good in this world is by engaging in the same faith traditions as me.

If the only reason that you are kind to others is because of some fear of a higher power, I think you're doing it wrong.

That might have come out wrong, let me rephrase.

Churches, mosques, synagogues, places of worship in general are wonderful places to gather to engage in fellowship and gain a deeper understanding of the faith traditions.  I love my church family and I love the work that we do there to make the world a slightly better place.  I just don't believe that you have to go to a place of worship to be a better human being.

You just need to work on you.

One more disclaimer, I promise.  Anytime you see the word "you" in any of my postings, you should assume that I am calling myself out.  I don't know the inner workings of your mind; I only know the thoughts and actions I have personally.

OK, so again, how can I change the world if I'm only worried about changing myself?

By spreading the word that we ALL have only to change ourselves, and the world is changed.  Can I control how you think?  Nope.  Do I want to?  Again, nope.  I want to work on myself so that in all actions and interactions I am living up to what I believe to be the gold standard for living: treat others the way you would like to be treated.

That is so easy to write, and yet so hard to do.  I'm accustomed to living in a self-absorbed society, where consumerism is more important than altruism.  We're taught to focus on ourselves, and in some ways, that's ok.  You should take care of your health: mental, physical, and emotional.

However, as any good parent will tell you, there are times when your wants are overshadowed by the needs of others.  When you live in community with others (children, parents, extended family, friends, neighbors, whatever), you can begin to appreciate that there is a world beyond your belly button.  These people around you have similar wants, needs, and feelings.  Do you tune them out, when you hear them calling?

I'm not asking for a scorecard, or a tally sheet, but how often do you consider helping others before you take care of your own wants?  What are the tiny little things that you could do to show love to your fellow human beings, making your corner of the globe a better place?

What do I care if it takes the rest of my life (or beyond) for us to make the next step as a species?  If I (and others, far better than me) can set an example today that influences one person, the machine is set in motion.

Do you know someone who needs to read this?  Feel free to pass it along!