Do you want to leave a better world for the generations that follow? I believe that you do. But how do you go about it?

You change the world by changing yourself. I know it sounds too simple to be the “real” answer. But I am not the only one who agrees with this straightforward and powerful wisdom. Mahatma Gandhi advised us to “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” Albert Einstein said, “The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking.” And even artist Andy Warhol knew the truth when he said, “They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.”

While it seems easier to look at what other people need to do to make our lives better, that type of rationalization is created by our ego.  Ego says we can make other people see reason, or change, or that we can control them.

The truth is, we cannot control or change anyone else.  Changing the world begins with changing us.   When we address and heal our unresolved issues we stop using our emotional irresponsibly to hurt our children, partners, family members, co-workers, and strangers. Our behavior teaches others, especially children, what we consider acceptable behavior. If we love our children, family and friends then what we think, believe, say, and do, will not only impact us, but our loved ones too.

This week, carefully watch the interactions you have with others.  Does your ego jump to how someone else needs to change?  If so, look with your heart to find what about that person’s behavior bothers you. Then make sure you do not behave as they do.  Look to yourself to find what you can change about you – attitude, beliefs, behavior, communication, thoughts – so you are the change you want to see in the world.