Let's Change the World

Throughout a typical day, each and every one of us is exposed to an enormous amount of information.  There is information that we choose to consume which comes in many forms, from our televisions to social media websites or internet browsers which are easily accessed on our cell phones.   There is also information that we gain thru conversations with our friends, families and co-workers.  The information we receive can be either positive or negative.

The optimist may seek out the positive aspects of the information received and the pessimist may focus on the negative.  The optimist sees all of the information with a unique mindset somehow turning the bad news into opportunities for change and improvement, always seeming to look forward with a hopeful outlook of the future.  The pessimist however, focuses on the bad news and lets that news overshadow their vision of the future.  If we are not careful the constant exposure to negative information can adversely impact all of us.  This information can invoke the emotions of anger, insecurities, anxiety and fear.  Individuals may even develop the attitude that there is nothing that can be done and just accept things for the way they are.

We may take on the opinion that the world is in the worst condition that it has ever been in, however, this is just a matter of perspective.  In the past our world has endured depressions, plagues, world wars and famines and has arguably been much worse off than it is today.   We only have to look back several decades to see the perspective that others had regarding the state of the world and their country.

Events of the past are often found expressed in the songs created by musicians who capture the current events of their time.  Examples include, Winds of Change by the Scorpions which was about the fall of the Soviet Union or Candle in the Wind by Elton John which addressed the impact of stardom on individuals.  One of those songs is a favorite of mine titled, “I’d Love to Change the World”.  The song was written by Alvin Lee from the British blues rock band Ten Years After and was released in 1971.  If you haven’t heard this song before, its worth your time to listen to it focusing your attention on the lyrics.  The song describes all of the world’s problems from poverty to war and the chorus is, “I’d love to change the world, but I don’t know what to do, so I leave it up to you”.

The song in a way is a call to action and challenges all of us to make a difference in a positive way.  It encourages us to start today and change the world and we can!

While it may seem impossible to make a positive change in the world, I believe we can make what seems impossible possible.

I’ve always believed that the world around us can be changed by individuals for the better and it starts with each of us.  We can set an example for others and have a positive influence on our friends, family, co-workers, strangers, neighbors, children and spouses.  We can make a difference every day thru counseling, encouragement, helping those in need or contributing our time to a worthy cause.  So, why not begin today.  Opportunities to make a positive impact and change for the better are presented to us each and every day.

A current example of this are the horrific fires that have stricken California causing deaths and leaving hundreds of families without homes.  Those who have lost their homes are the victims of the incredible circumstances that took place thru no fault of their own.

We can sit back and talk about the horrible situation or we can take action and aid those in need.  We can take action and make a positive impact and set an example for others. One day at a time we can make a difference!

So tomorrow, when you wake up, will you bury yourself in the negativity of the world and complain or will you be the optimist who sees the opportunities that are presented to you?  Will you be the one who takes action and helps to positively change the world? 

I leave it up to you!