Changing Myself

“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world.  Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.” – Rumi

I work very hard at offering assistance rather than trying to change someone.  I am sometimes tempted to want to change family, friends, workmates and loved ones.  When I am aware my helping is slipping into changing, I look in the mirror and ask, “What areas of my life need to be changed?  What do I need to do to grow?”   We all need to find our own joy.  We all, as Joseph Campbell suggested “need to find our own bliss.”

When I attempt to try and change someone to be as I think they should be, we both are hurt.  I have always found it is healthier when I accept someone as they are;  Children of God.  Mother Teresa once said, “If everyone cleaned up their own doorstep, the whole world would be clean.”  I can only change myself.  In each situation life presents to me I realize if I want to change the situation, I must first change myself.  If I want to change myself, I must first change my perceptions.

Change situation à Change self à Change perceptions

                                                                        - Stephen Covey

When I see others and the world through the eyes of love, I see them as they truly are; Children of God.  Seeing through the eyes of love changes our perspective, changes ourselves and often changes others.  When we feel acceptance, we can let our light shine.   When we express love, we receive love.