I am inspired by many. My kids, my wife, many friends. I have some go to historical figures as well and Gandhi is one. When I am struggling with my place and feel somewhat helpless to impact things going on around me I come back to this saying.
It can seem overwhelming at times with the enormity of everything that is going on in our world. Your feelings are real. And they should not be dismissed. One thing I like about this quote is it gives you, individually, the power to start somewhere - with yourself. If you only look at the whole world and you see it through filters that, more than ever before, require some critical thought, you can easily feel the smallness of your impact.
However, if you are able to see what is right in front of you and affecting your most immediate and intimate thoughts, feelings and desires, you make it very possible to have a big impact on the world that surrounds you. You start to see your own impacts on your circle of friends, family and close colleagues. And, you need not be blatant and deliberate about impacting their world. Leading by example is what it is often referred to.
The other part of the quote is intriguing to me and often makes me wonder if people have asked themselves what it is they wish to see in the world? How can you really chart a path yourself and act accordingly if you have not figured out your ideal future? How can you model something if you have not seen it yourself?
I felt compelled to share this quote today for many reasons.
I hope to inspire someone else to consider it. In whatever way that may be. Perhaps it makes you wonder if you have thought enough about your ideal future? It might just give you pause to think of something small you can do to move towards that ideal future you see?
I cannot change a leader of a country or a Province myself. What I can do is ensure I am staying true to what I feel brings joy into my life and the lives of my family. If I want a world full of more joy, I will start with me.
The quote inspired me this morning. I am disheartened by what I am seeing in the US right now and to perhaps a lesser degree right here in my Province of Alberta. Not to go into great detail, at the risk of turning this into a political blog, but I get very demotivated when I see hate. And this is what I am seeing right now - hate. So, I intentionally, this morning, looked for some inspiration and found it here.
I see a future without HATE therefore I will not HATE. I refuse.
Thanks for hearing me out. I see the irony of sharing this as a blog. The point is to look at yourself and here I am sharing outwardly. If this helps others that is an enormous bonus. Selfishly, I get a lot out of putting these thoughts down in print. So, again, I thank you for helping me out.
Namaste friends.
Be well.
Kelly