True Balance

Pace Smith from Freak Revolution shares a thought provoking post.

Enjoy!

Do you ever feel guilty about reading self-help books or blogs when there are people starving elsewhere in the world? Do you ever feel like global tragedy dwarfs your personal tragedy? Do you ever feel small or insignificant, wishing you could make a difference but overwhelmed with the vastness of it all?

This post is for you.

Gandhi said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” He didn’t mean that if you want to create world peace, become a peace activist. He meant that if you want to create world peace, you must first find peace in your own heart. How many angry peace activists have you seen? I’ve met a couple. They march in protest rallies, carrying anti-war signs and railing against the government. I believe (and I think Gandhi would agree) that they’re going about it the wrong way. The path to peace doesn’t wend through anger or violence. The path to peace begins inside yourself.

People who try to change the world without first changing themselves burn out, instigate infighting, or otherwise undermine the goal they’re trying to achieve.

People who heal themselves before healing the world radiate empowerment, possess quiet determination, and have the peace of mind necessary to turn big dreams into reality.

Changing yourself, creating the life you want to life, is a revolutionary act. People aren’t inspired by hypocrisy. People are inspired by those who practice what they preach. Choosing to live a happy and empowered life will show others that they can choose the same for themselves. Living your own best life and sharing your joy with others will inspire those around you to seek it for themselves. There are billions of people out there who would be looking for something better if they only believed that something better were possible.

They’re waiting for you to show them.

Pace Smith is the co-leader of the Freak Revolution, a community of passionate world-changers with alternative lifestyles and more importantly, alternative mindsets. She and her partner Kyeli are passionate about changing the world in ways that foster connection over control, authenticity over conformity, and love over fear. Their latest project is the World-Changing Writing Workshop, where aspiring writers learn the skills they need to create change.