Each of us hold the power of change

Published 10:09 am Wednesday, July 13, 2011

“You must be the change you wish to see in this world.”

That quote came from a man with no possessions or aspirations for fame. He didn’t seek greatness, but his attitude assured that greatness would find him.

The only thing he owned was a desire to see people live up to their potential.

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi transformed history. Aside from Jesus Christ, he might be the greatest human being to ever wander this globe.

What made Ghandi so special? Leadership abilities that oozed of compassion and tolerance in a time of turmoil and oppression. He managed to persuade millions to check their anger and embrace the Golden Rule. His stoic persona was the definition of understanding … and the total opposite of hypocrisy.

But this story isn’t about Gandi’s history so much as the legacy he left behind; It’s about how one human being with a positive attitude toward life and society utilized the power of a positive outlook to transform the lives of millions.

The quote listed above is a powerful one if only we believe it. And it’s worth repeating: “You must be the change you wish to see in this world.”

Every one of us has the power within us to do great things and leave a living legacy for others to follow in the future. We each have our own God-given gifts to give to this world. If those gifts are used properly, everyone wins.

The problem, which has been with us since the days of Adam and Eve, lies in our lukewarm willingness to do the right thing, our integrity. Life is simply about choices; and, throughout time, choices have been our downfall.

We go postal when someone cuts us off in traffic. Our fast lifestyle has no room for inconvenient pauses. Everything must be given to us right now.

The anger created by our expectations eventually erodes our ability to feel empathy for others. Suddenly, nobody else matters. We find ourselves with a “me-first” attitude that refuses to defer to the needs, wants and desires of others.

We begin to believe in the “dog eat dog” mantra instead of the Golden Rule, which is to treat others as we would like to be treated. That opens the door for the most hideous of beasts, selfishness, to step onto the throne of our lives.

Think back to the last time you did something for somebody else with no regard for personal gain … just because you felt like helping them. Didn’t that feel awesome?

That’s the exact reason why I chose to write about Gandi’s time-worn quote. It feels great to do great things for other people.

The more you put yourself aside to help others, the more you realize your true purpose on this earth.

You can be that change the world desperately needs. The only question is, “will you?”

Billy Bruce is a freelance writer who lives in Pedro. He can be contacted at hollandkat3@aol.com.