To inspire change from within, I subscribe to a “daily inspiration” quote site. I am a firm believer in self-growth and self-care, all for the greater good of my psyche. Wanting to change that within me that could be better, is a constant task…. one on my daily ‘to do’ list, and at the top of my daily prayers.
"I change myself. I change the world."
My question is, if I do change myself (hopefully for the better), will I indeed change the world? Or is this just something that people say just to get attention? Do we have the individual power to change the world?
Today’s inspirational email went on to say that “Gloria Anzaldúa was a Chicana poet and feminist theorist whose work often centered on intersectional identities.”
While I had not hear of her before this day, I further read that she was ‘born to a family of field workers on the Texas-Mexico border,” “worked hard to earn a master’s degree in English and became a professor, simultaneously working with political groups such as farm worker collectives and feminist organizations.”
Most of her “writing grapples with identity, and how it can shape not only our place in a community, but also our outlook on the world.” “The words above, from her 1987 book “Borderlands/La Frontera: The New Mestiza,” are a reminder that working on our own personal development is the first step to shifting the world around us. In breaking down our own barriers, we make ourselves more effective vessels for change.” (Follow this YouTube link to view 2:20 minutes of some of her best and inspirational quotes.)
So, as I ponder, I begin to deduce that all change starts small, and that changing our outlook on our place in our community, (even small changes) might begin to melt the walls that are between us. If we all focus on changing just a bit, collectively we move in a positive wave.
But who is right and who is wrong? Why do I need to change when others around me feel that they don’t need to change? Can we not find some middle ground that will make everyone happy?
These are huge philosophical questions, ones that our world is grappling with daily. Who gets to decide who is following the right path and who has stepped off the path of righteousness?
I just don’t know.
For now, I’ll just have to ponder my own little world. I will continue to self evaluate based on my personal conscious, and try to follow the golden rule and just be kind. If I feel good, then based on the trickle down theory, those around me might feel good too.
Attitude of Gratitude
Prayer to St. Teresa of Avilia
“May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.”
Happy making small changes,