To Change the World, You Must Begin with Yourself

Stop. Turn off your iPhone. Take your headphones out of your ears. Walk away from the television. Look around you. Look out your window at the crisp, colorful, changing leaves of fall. Watch the wind tousle the hair of a biker coming down your street. Better yet, step outdoors and feel the chilly wind prick your own skin. This is your life. Clear your mind and take in the present moment.

What would you say if I told you that you were changing the world by simply living in the “here and now?” You don’t have to travel across the world to change it. You don’t have to feel guilty about not joining the Peace Corps or dedicating your life to international missions. Instead, just be a happy person. If you can get right with yourself, your own happiness will spread to others. The general mindset of society today is to constantly look ahead – always moving, always improving. Does this really lead to happiness? Nobody is even guaranteed a “tomorrow.” In reality, the only thing anyone is guaranteed is the present moment, so why not enjoy it? At the very least, be aware of it. Do your part to help society create a healthy mindset.

It is only 10:30 in the morning. What have you thought about today so far? Your meeting at noon? Your weekend plans? The “to-do list” you made a week ago and haven’t even touched? Stop thinking about the future! Have you taken a moment to even stop and savor the coffee you paid five dollars for? Did you notice how pretty the morning sun looked as it peeked through your bedroom window?

This point of view also affects how we feel about the past. So many people are busy defining themselves by actions that have occurred in the past. It is easy to forget the simple concept that the past no longer exists. How will you ever realize the new, cute guy at work is flirting with you if you are constantly reminiscing about your psycho ex-boyfriend? You have to wake up to what is going on around you! Get out of your head and into reality.

Article Author: Jennifer Stuart

I am currently a student at the University of Oklahoma studying both Film and Professional Writing. My interests include script writing, poetry, music of all kinds, and traveling.

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