Change *repost*

This post centers around one of my most favorite quotes.

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." ~ Mahatma Ghandi

To me the first obvious message is that we should all try to be good examples and role models for the world.

However, I see an underlying message.

If we want something to be different, if we desire change, the only change we have the power to influence is within ourselves. 

If I want something in my world to change, the only change I can influence is with myself. Simply, none of us have the power to change another. In fact, I've observed that if we try to force change on others, we usually cause them to become even more resistant. In the end, this creates an atmosphere where change is even less likely.

I try to remember to observe how my words, actions or deeds affect people and situations. If I don't like what transpires, or feel that something could be better or different then I strive to make changes within myself to try to effect a different outcome.

If, for some reason, we do cause someone else to change, we're really forcing them to be less than honest with us. I don't know about you, but I want the real person. I'd much rather embrace someone's imperfections. When I do, I find they readily embrace mine. I certainly prefer the imperfections to some sort of made up persona that in the end, a person cannot uphold indefinitely. This most often creates resentment.

It's a quote I try to live by. If I'm less than happy with the way something is, I change the way I handle it.

I would prefer that all my friends be themselves with me because I value sincerity and honesty to such a high degree. I only want the true person. Ever. Always.

I only ever want to be my true self. 

My belief is that if we are important to each other we will find our way to be "us" when we come together by changing by our own choices. I believe that when we do this, we truly express love, respect and just how important someone or something is to our lives.

I believe we all can make the effort to make changes without forcing anyone else to change in order to create our personal ideal.

If, on occasion, we find that time when we are less than happy with something and have no more desire to put in the effort of change, we can simply remove ourselves. And that too, is making a personal change.

Maybe this belief is the reason that I feel, and others have observed, that no person is a stranger to me.

Because, if we truly desire things to work out, we will choose to be the change we wish to see in the world.