How to Change the World

Living in Washington, DC, and today being the two year anniversary of 9/11, this morning I was trying to think about what words could and should I say on this occasion? While I was thinking, this wonderful quote showed up in my e-mail box, courtesy of Michael Angiers' newsletter, Success Digest:

'This experience reminded me of one of my favorite quotes
written by a monk in 1100: 'When I was a young man, I wanted to
change the world. I found it was difficult to change the world,
so I tried to change my nation. When I found I couldn't change
the nation, I began to focus on my town. I couldn't change the
town and as an older man, I tried to change my family.

Now, as an old man, I realize the only thing I can change is
myself, and suddenly I realize that if long ago I had changed
myself, I could have made an impact on my family. My family and
I could have made an impact on our town. Their impact could
have changed the nation and I could indeed have changed the
world.'

If nothing else, the horrific events of 9/11 teach us the lesson of how important it is to make the most of our present, and to not keep stalling for "some day in the future" to reach our dreams. Take the time today to reflect: What would I like to change about myself that I keep putting off?

11:17:56 AM    comment []