Mahatma Gandhi said, "In a gentle way you can shake the world." And there are ways of doing just that. You can make changes for the better if you:
- Know that significant change throughout history has occurred because of the courage and commitment of individuals
- Believe that you have a unique purpose and potential
- Recognize that nothing you do is trivial, and everything matters
- Take personal responsibility
- Don't wait, and don't get caught up in the details
- Be aware
- Change yourself
The following is written on the tomb of an Anglican Bishop in Westminster Abby (1100 A.D):
"When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change, so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country.
"But it, too, seemed immovable.
"As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it.
"And now, as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realize: If I had only changed myself first, then by example I would have changed my family.
"From their inspiration and encouragement, I would then have been able to better my country, and who knows, I may have even changed the world."