Daily Inspiration 3-27-10

"There are two ways of spreading light:

to be the candle, or the mirror that reflects it."

-- Edith Wharton

"Be the change you want to see in the world."

-- Mahatma Gandhi

"Once you choose hope, anything's possible."

-- Christopher Reeve

What would be the point of joining the group Anarchist's International? How about People against walls? Humans Opposed To Getting Stoned? Of course, I just made these groups up in my head (maybe I should check and see if they actually exist?), but there is a list that will probably cover the distance between New York and Los Angeles of groups against or opposed to something or another. I go to the grocery store and I'm hunted by the petitioners for yet another state proposition to ban something or stop something.

One thing that I have learned very clearly is that whatever we give our attention to increases. It doesn't matter that we fight against it or don't want it. The more we give energy to it, the more it persists. It would certainly be so much more effective to be for than against anyway. Being against something takes your positive energy and gives it to a negative cause. Better to use your positive energy to do something positive. But, that's not quite normal is it? It seems like there might be something wrong with someone who wants to fight for something rather than against something, doesn't it? However, that is the best way. As Gandhi says, "be the change you want to see in the world."

You don't like what is going on at work? Think the boss is an idiot? Don't like the way they do things? You be the change. Do more without complaining. Be the way you think people should be. You want a positive organization? Then be the change and be positive. Be the light that shines the way--or at least follow those who are. There is plenty to do to change things for the better and spending any time at all on what is wrong won't help much. Matter of fact, it is likely that it won't help at all, but to increase the number and depth of the things that are wrong.

Think the city is being run poorly? Volunteer to help. Think health care reform is the curse of the country? Jump in there and show a better way. Fighting against it will do absolutely nothing for your cause except give you something to do and something to be angry about. Swimming upstream requires a lot of energy.

Instead, be the light; be the change. Choose your method carefully. What is it you really want rather than what you don't want? Focus on the want and be the light. It will be energy better spent and make you a leader worth following.

I Am The Light; I Am The Change. I Lead By Example. I Am A Builder, Not A Destroyer.

Spread Some Joy Today--Stop swimming upstream with people and problems. Pause. Put the oars in the boat. Now, let go and let the boat float. Trust. Ahhhhhh. That feels so much better, doesn't it? Rest, recuperate and rejoice.