On changing the world

There is a story that goes like, “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.”

I was in school when I first heard this story, and I still remember how inspired I was by it. As I visit my blog after a long absence, I notice Ghandi’s quote, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world,”and I laugh at how naive and ambitious I was.

See at first I wanted to change the world, but then I sought only to make sense of it…and now? Now I only want to survive it, because I’ve given up wanting to change it or understand it.

Enough about me.

The year is coming to a close and my wish for you is that you find the ability to be true to yourself, accept yourself, embrace your imperfections, and listen to your heart. My wish for you is to find beauty wherever you go, and get more chances to forgive others rather than exact revenge. My wish for you is to laugh until your stomach hurts and tears come out of your eyes.