“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” ~Victor Frankl
There are many times in our lives when we feel helpless; when we feel as though we are powerless to challenge the way things are. Situations big and small can be hard to confront and overcome, but we are, in the face of this, always able to change ourselves.
As we enter 2010, a decade into the “new millennium”, we are faced with so many challenges as a human race, as a world; as a planet. Current situations seem insurmountable and despite the want for change it seems there is still so much that can be done.
We are now, more than ever, aware of the impact we have on the world around us. The world has become smaller and our actions and in-actions have far-reaching effects on all people of the earth.
The politicians and nations in power are struggling to agree, to meet on common ground, to ’solve’ the issues that we as a human race face. Poverty, pollution, environmental destruction, greed and unsustainable development are the reality of our current world situation.
Many of us do not consider the true state of the world around us, because many of us still live a privileged, wonderful life filled with hope and abundance. And there is the sense we are powerless to make a difference.
When we see our politicians and world leaders fail to make sustainable and effective change, when, despite public support, measures to end poverty and environmental destruction fall short of the hope and good intention; it can be disheartening.
Yet, as Victor Frankl states, if we cannot change the situation, we are challenged to change ourselves. We would love things to be better but it can be so difficult to give up the things in life we covert, to change our ways so that others may benefit and may share in our wealth.
In reality we cannot expect things to change if we ourselves will not change.
Life is filled with opportunity to make small changes that make a big difference, in our own lives and the lives of others. We will keep travelling down this path, where the greedy and wealthy take advantage of the vulnerable and poor, unless we ourselves change.
The situation as it stands is a result of human enterprise, human nature; and the world is a wonderful place; it is up to each of us to ensure all people have the same freedom and opportunity and hope as you and I.
If we take the challenge to change ourselves, to look at the impact of our choices and take responsibility for the consequences of our actions; we can make a difference. If there are things in the world that you are concerned about, that you would like to see change; look first to yourself and see what effect your actions have on the world and those around you.
Through our power to change our own future we can hope to change the future of all people.
“Continuity gives us roots; change gives us branches, letting us stretch and grow and reach new heights.” ~Pauline R. Kezer
Related posts:
- Carbon is a real problem but is it the only one? : addressing positive change for the future
- 5 Ways we all can Speak Out against Poverty and Stand Up against Greed!
- Discovering the Heart of our Environmental Conscience : Blog Action Day
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"I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. And because I cannot do everything I will not refuse to do the something that I can do." ~Hellen Keller
