“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” Gandhi.

I was so saddened last week to learn that three young girls had been killed in a “ferocious” knife attack in Southport at a Taylor Swift-themed dance and yoga event. They have been named as six-year-old Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe, aged seven, and nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar.

Eight more children were injured, with five left in a critical condition, after the incident late on Monday morning. Two adults also suffered critical injuries. Armed officers detained a male and seized a knife, with police later saying that a 17-year-old boy had been arrested. He has subsequently been charged with murder and attempted murder and appeared in court.

It isn’t always easy to stay positive after senseless and dreadful incidents like this.

What came to mind was that we can all make small contributions daily to help the world to be a better and kinder place. We can personally decide to be leaders and role models for positive change in the world. Our kind actions can speak louder than words. Collectively these small personal actions over time will make a big difference and help us to stay united in our determination to make a better world.

I’ve been wondering how we can apply this sentiment to ensure our relationships with others are constructive and that our home and working environments are positive, harmonious and encouraging. In addition to staying positive another useful contribution we can make is to encourage others close to us to extend a little more kindness and generosity to other people.

We can consider what help we can offer to support our family, friends, neighbours and colleagues to be the best that they can be. In doing so, we can look for the good qualities in others and show gratitude for the contribution they make to the world. We can look for the blessings and gifts that we gain from challenging situations and be grateful for the good fortune we experience and for all that we have in life.

Writing this piece reminded me of a piece of writing that I came across many years ago which I’ve included below.

“A Bishop’s Tomb”                             

“When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world.

As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change, so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country but it too seemed immovable.

As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me.

But alas, they would have none of it.

And now I realise as I lie on my deathbed, if I had only changed myself first, then by example I might have changed my family.

From their inspiration and encouragement, I would then have been able to better my country.

And who knows, I might have even changed the world.”
 
It’s a great reminder that we all have the ability to make a positive contribution to the world. Change starts with ourselves and it’s our personal responsibility to lead by example and create the circumstances that we wish to experience. It also reminds us to not put off making a positive difference in the world.

This week, why not pause for a few moments to reflect. Consider what practical action you can take to “Be the Change” in the world and make your home and working environments a little better.

To arrange a free no obligation consultation, please contact Stephen Pauley via the contact form or by e mail: Stephen@befirstclass.co.uk