"Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself."
This Rumi quote is similar to Mahatma Gandhi's misinterpreted "Be the change" quote which stems from this longer one: “As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him. This is the divine mystery supreme. A wonderful thing it is and the source of our happiness. We need not wait to see what others do.”
It truly is a simple, yet profound idea. Live The Golden Rule. Act the part. Be kind. Go thrive. Level up. Enjoy the ride! So how did we end up living in a world full of people with so much resentment toward themselves and others? And while we are at it, why can't we be happy too? Is that really too much to ask? I found the answer is no. It's not too much to ask.
Talk therapy really helped me believe I could live a more meaningful life for myself. I found that happiness is the byproduct of doing things in my life that I am passionate about and that give me a sense of fulfillment. Incorporating mindfulness techniques into my everyday routines has made life much more enjoyable by being more present and having more self-awareness.
The old me did not have the patience, faith or humility required to live a happier life. The new me is not dragged down by insecurities and regret. I stand firm on my values. I accept circumstances and do my best to correct or improve what I can, much like the serenity prayer used in 12-step recovery groups.
The old me was afraid to take leaps of faith while learning and growing from my experiences. The new me lives life with this "choose my own adventure"-like wonderment and excited anticipation of what's to come! The old me would overthink it. The new me wonders why not? For this I am grateful. 🙏
More Wellness!
Happier Human: 31 Benefits of Gratitude: The Ultimate Science-Backed Guide
