If you want to change the world, start with yourself

Put another way, by Mahatma Gandhi: Be the change you want to see.

Change has been on my mind a lot lately. The personal kind. Quite selfishly, I’ve been thinking about me. And the change I want to be before I can go change the world. I’ve reflected on who I was as a younger woman and decisions made that have led to who I am today. Good or bad. Right or wrong.

I’ve reflected on who I am today and whether I’m the person I want to be in order to make the change I want to make. I don’t have the answers. I’m not sure how I’ll get to the answers quite. So I keep thinking. And reflecting.

But during this reflective time, I'm reminded of one of our favorite books in my house: The Three Questions by John Muth which is based on the story by Leo Tolstoy. The tale is of a young Nikolai who wants to do good but has questions.

1. When is the best time to do things?
2. Who is the most important one?
3. What is the right thing to do?

I tend to read this to the kids in a very zen-like but fun tone. The story isn’t silly, funny or the typical children’s picture book, although there are talking animals and beautiful illustrations. But the children love the tale and request it often.

There's always good discussions after the book. We’ll revisit a situation from earlier that day and talk about their actions. They always feel good to know that they did the right thing, at the right time, with the most important people.

So, while I may not know if I am always the change I need to be to make the change I want to make, my hope is that I can always do the right thing, at the right time, for the most important people.

Not getting Change Becomes Change updates delivered to your email inbox?  SUBSCRIBE HERE