Karla’s Korner: Be The Change

Karla’s Korner: Be The Change

Be The Change….

Mahatma Gandhi once said “You must be the change you want to see in the world”.

I had seen this quote numerous times throughout my life but until this week I had not really thought about it. I have a huge file of quotes, short stories and scriptures stored in a file on my computer and this quote by Gandhi is one of them. As I read these profound words today I wondered what was I able to change to make a positive difference in the world; after all I am just one person and the world is a pretty big place.

After staring at this quote for a considerable amount of time while listening to some really loud music blaring through my ear buds it hit me. Who says that Gandhi meant the entire world; what if he meant be the change in the world around us? If we all focused on being the change we wanted to see in our part of the world I think that would make the world, the big world, a better place.

Recently some of my extended family members suddenly lost a dear friend to a heart attack. As I sat on the sidelines of social media I enjoyed reading their comments and looking at their pictures of their beloved friend. From what I gather, Dan was an extraordinary man filled with joy, happiness and a great love for his family and friends. At just 50 years old this man was loved by many and apparently left a huge mark on the world he lived in. He was the change in his world; he blessed others by his spirit and the joy he shared with all those who knew him; what a great world he lived in.

I am a thinker, a feeler, a heart person so to speak. My husband tells me that I over think things sometimes but I find that spending time in thought allows me to see circumstances in all possible angles. As I shared previously I am in the middle of a lifestyle change that has brought on some pretty neat changes to my physical body. I am loving the physical changes but the changes within my emotional, spiritual self are what excites me the most. Taking time out of each day to sit, reflect, pray and think about all the possibilities for change in my little world has become a priority. Sometimes I read or write while other times I jam the ear buds tightly in my ears and crank up some pretty loud music. I’ve even gone to the gym to walk on the treadmill just so I could be in one place, quietly allowing myself time to think and ponder just what changes can I make to the little world around me? I have come to the conclusion that in order to create change, I must continue to create a positive change within myself.

Life is filled with obligations and commitments that often cloud our minds and hearts leaving us quick tempered and out of touch with the world we live in; our little world. In order for us to make a difference we must first take time for ourselves making sure that we are at our best both physically and emotionally. With the holidays fast approaching I encourage you to stay focused, and enjoy the simple elements of the holiday season; family, friends and community. Create traditions that will allow you the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others whether it be in your own family, friends or someone in need of a helping hand, listening ear or quiet presence.

The holidays come around once a year, but life goes on every day. We must make every effort to embrace and enjoy every day we are given on earth. While talking to a family member about the recent loss of his dear friend, Dan, I shared that I wished I would have known because it sounds like he was a really great guy. He replied, “He was the best”. What a legacy to leave behind knowing that those in your world believe you were the best and that because of you their world was a better place?

I encourage you to be your best and be the change you want to see in your world. For me, I continue to face each day working toward becoming a healthier me on the inside and out. By focusing on making myself well and whole I hope to instill positive changes in the world around me. I believe that when we better ourselves we will better the world around us; in the words of Leo Tolstoy ”Each person’s task in life is to become an increasingly better person.” Be the change….

Peace,
Karla

I am proud to introduce a new column to Madame Deals! I think we all need a touch point a place we can go to be inspired. Karla is my children’s teacher, a good friend, and a person with a heart of gold. I hope that her words will inspire you to do more. We are only as good as the people we surround ourselves with. It is important to listen with your heart and proceed with your eyes open. Enjoy!

Check out all of Karla’s Korner articles for more thought for the week here. Also, please visit Karla’s Lifetime Moms page and read her articles.