dove and earth

Be the change that you wish to see in the world.  – Mahatma Gandhi

At this time of sending holiday wishes for peace and love, we are surrounded by much fear and pain in the world. With so people many worrying, we wonder what small thing we can do to make a difference. The Dalai Lama said this about worry, “If a situation is such that you can do something about it, then there is no need to worry. If it’s not fixable, then there isn’t help in worrying. There is no benefit in worrying whatsoever.” So, waste no time in the state of worry, do what you can to make a difference, however small. Taking action on what you can do in your own world will create a ripple effect toward shifting negativity on a much larger scale.

These past few weeks, I have been infused with inspiration from many amazing historic people. Attending the Women Inspiring Women Conference, I was impressed with the message of Jack Canfield of Chicken Soup for the Soul fame. He spoke of holding a dream, maintaining positive thought, and the power of forgiveness. I also finished the timeless classic Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, the grandfather of positive thinking. His insights about holding a vision, maintaining positive thought, and the power of the subconscious mind date back to the 1930s. They are as meaningful today as ever. And, I was blessed to be in the presence of Medicine Story, an elder of the Wampanoag Nation, the native people who helped the original Pilgrims. He shared his insight into how we should embrace the circle of life through positive thought and right action.

Each of these amazing messengers shared sage advice that was coincidentally similar and elegantly stated. Here is a synopsis of their simple advice:

Seven Steps To Change the World as you Live Your Dream:

  1. Know yourself. Understand your gifts, skills, talents, weaknesses, and limitations. Improve what you can.
  2. Be grateful for everyone you meet. Look for good in others, and seek to learn from them.
  3. Steer clear of negativity. Avoid negative people, and choose to send them positive energy.
  4. Have a clear vision of what you want. Focus on what it would be like to live your dream.
  5. Keep the dream alive. Share your vision with others of like mind who support you.
  6. Take action toward your dream. Calculated risks move you forward, indecision keeps you stuck.
  7. Give thanks at each forward step on the journey.

Although originating from different cultures, time, and settings, these thoughts are truly universal. Explore each step for relevance as you apply them in your own life.

As the busy holiday season unwinds take some time to reflect on the adventures of 2015. Look at what worked for you and what you wish could be different. Enhance your strengths and strive to improve your weaknesses. Create a vision of where you would like to be at the close of 2016. Then set your goals for the New Year based on that vision. Be sure to surround yourself with like-minded people who are supportive and encouraging of your quest. Take a few moments to celebrate your successes as you shift into this time of possibilities.

This New Year unfolding holds the potential for you to become incredibly happy and wildly successful, whatever that means to you. Make this a time of great peace and joy in all of your endeavors and start living the life of your dreams to change the world around you.

Happy, happy holidays to each of you.

Many Blessings,

Lois

the best teachers