"Be the change you want to see in the world" Gandhi said. Instead of hoping for others to solve our problems (or the world's problems) we need to learn to see how we can make a difference for ourselves (and others) now. So next time you have a problem that you thinking shopping, medicine, government, or some expert can fix, consider first what you can do to be the change you want.
Most of us would benefit from getting more exercise. It would help us pay attention, have more energy, be less depressed, decrease the likelihood of getting dementia and heart disease, and if we walked in our own neighborhood we might improve our relationships with neighbors or make new friends. Almost everyone I work with knows that exercise would help them, but few people are willing to make the changes necessary to make exercise a regular part of their lives. Why? The answer is different for everyone but inertia, or the tendency to stay where we are, is often a large part of the reason.
Most of us could eat better. If we ate less that was bad for us (sugar, fatty foods, alcohol, etc.) and more that was good for us (fresh fruits and veggies, homemade items, etc.) our hearts, minds, and bodies would be healthier, have more energy, and if we cooked with friends or family it might even improve our relationships. If we started growing some of our own food, we have the chance to exercise while we're eating better. Again, most people know that they need to improve their diet, but they resist the messages their body is sending regarding foods.
Eating right and exercising take more time than just taking a pill. Many skills or techniques like meditation for example take an investment of time and effort on our part before we can reap the benefits. The benefits often outweigh the effort, but you only notice the benefit after many hours of practice.
“Make the most of yourself....for that is all there is of you.” R. W. Emerson
Quick fixes are attractive because they are so simple. But the key to our health and well being lies in our own hands. We need to decide what is needed to be healthier and happier. So long as we assume someone else (be that a doctor or family member) holds the key to solving a problem we are facing, we can't really make changes. So accept what your are, define what you need to change, and then start the hard working of being the change you want to see in your world.
“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” Carl R. Rogers
Most of us would benefit from getting more exercise. It would help us pay attention, have more energy, be less depressed, decrease the likelihood of getting dementia and heart disease, and if we walked in our own neighborhood we might improve our relationships with neighbors or make new friends. Almost everyone I work with knows that exercise would help them, but few people are willing to make the changes necessary to make exercise a regular part of their lives. Why? The answer is different for everyone but inertia, or the tendency to stay where we are, is often a large part of the reason.
Most of us could eat better. If we ate less that was bad for us (sugar, fatty foods, alcohol, etc.) and more that was good for us (fresh fruits and veggies, homemade items, etc.) our hearts, minds, and bodies would be healthier, have more energy, and if we cooked with friends or family it might even improve our relationships. If we started growing some of our own food, we have the chance to exercise while we're eating better. Again, most people know that they need to improve their diet, but they resist the messages their body is sending regarding foods.
Eating right and exercising take more time than just taking a pill. Many skills or techniques like meditation for example take an investment of time and effort on our part before we can reap the benefits. The benefits often outweigh the effort, but you only notice the benefit after many hours of practice.
“Make the most of yourself....for that is all there is of you.” R. W. Emerson
Quick fixes are attractive because they are so simple. But the key to our health and well being lies in our own hands. We need to decide what is needed to be healthier and happier. So long as we assume someone else (be that a doctor or family member) holds the key to solving a problem we are facing, we can't really make changes. So accept what your are, define what you need to change, and then start the hard working of being the change you want to see in your world.
“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” Carl R. Rogers
