Monday, June 09, 2008

Be the change

Gandhi said "be the change you want to see in the world". Not just inspirational words, but words that CAN be true if we dare.

Maggie and I were almost sideswiped by a woman driving a van leaving the gas station last week. She was going entirely too fast and swerved into our lane. Maggie was sitting on that side of the car. It scared the bejeebers out of me and my blood was boiling. Not only did the idiot almost kill us, she then cut me off in the middle of the intersection. I was so upset and ranting about people. What has happened to society? I was talking to Maggie about the newsstory I heard about the 78 year old man who was run down in Hartford. Not only did the motorist who ran him down flee, but other motorists ignored him as did pedestrians. Even worse, some of those pedestrians simply stood over him, never once offering him help or calling 911. I really don't get it. How am I supposed to explain that codswollup to my 8 year old? Well, sometimes we don't have to... sometimes they explain to us.

I realized my jaded perspective when Maggie said to me "You know, Mommy, I'm going to get a meeting together with some of the other second graders. We're going to change the world!"

That was the shake of the shoulders I needed. Sometimes I forget we can be the change. Even if the goal is lofty, it is a cause worth fighting. I have my little ray of sunshine giving me hope. She is the candle and the mirror reflecting the light.

Be the change.

Here is something additionally inspirational




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Couldn't have said it better....


There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle, or the mirror that reflects it. (Edith Wharton)

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Life is a banquet... and most poor suckers are starving to death. Live... live..... LIVE!!!!! (Auntie Mame)

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Your life is an occasion. Rise to it. (Edward Magorium
Toy impresario, wonder aficionado, avid shoe-wearer)

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A woman is like a tea bag. You never know how strong she is until she is in hot water. (Eleanor Roosevelt)

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Be not afraid of growing slowly. Be afraid of standing still. (Chinese proverb)