Se7en

I told you I was going to try my best. As you see, I'm no good at remembering to blog everyday, but I'm not giving up on my project. It may take me more than 365 consecutive days to finish, but I WILL finish. That's a promise. Here's day 7.

Day 7: "We must become the change we want to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi

As young professionals and as humans we all want to leave our mark on the world. We want to make a difference. But before we can affect those around us, we first have to understand change begins within ourselves. Would you be an advocate for living "green" and still leave lights on when you leave a room or drive a gas guzzling vehicle? No, you wouldn't. You'd practice what you preach.

I've always loved this saying by Gandhi, but recently one of my best friends made me view it in a new light. She said, " I don't agree with it. Gandhi implies that you can't have faith in those around you, that you must only believe in yourself and then trust everyone to follow you." While I see her point I disagree with her. I believe Gandhi is saying people must be inspired to change and that we each need take that step to be an inspiration. No one changes just because they feel like it. Something or someone comes along that propels us toward change and growth. And in the end someone has to make that first move, so why shouldn't it be you...or me? You see a need in the world, so you take a stand to meet it. It's what we do. It's how we affect change. Where would we be if people didn't stand up everyday for causes like Aids, child slavery, or world hunger?

So I say, live as you hope others will live. Be an inspiration, to yourself and to those around you. In the end, what harm could possibly from changing yourself for the better?