Life is unexpected

Letting go. We all have things we need to let go of; things we need to forgive people for and things we need to be forgiven for. But letting go is so much more than that (though that is huge in itself). Letting go means relinquishing control, trusting others to get things done, to take care of you, to have a plan. It means not always knowing exactly how things are going to pan out and being okay with that; being able to go with the flow without having it rub you the wrong way. The next time something doesn't go exactly as planned, don't sweat it; look at the beauty of the new situation, of life's unexpectedness. See what you can learn and enjoy from the life that is happening rather than the life you planned.

Stop & Smell the Roses

Patience is a virtue. No kidding. Training yourself in the art of patience does a world of good. There is an extra moment before you snap, or just seemingly fewer triggers to your temper. Plus, people notice patience; they see your calm demeanor and wonder at it. Having patience is a conscious decision to say; wait, let's think about this situation, is it really so awful? Having patience will lower your stress and cause you to be more satisfied. And because of its public quality, it will soon spread. The next time you're caught in traffic, just think; what great training for my patience!

Can anybody hear me?

Going public. I recently listened to the 'Ideas' podcast on the CBC radio website; one series in particular caught my attention, called; The Origins of the Modern Public. Perhaps a bit of a history lesson and the length of a short lecture, but as a history student, I can't complain. The podcasts trace the origins and development of the idea of public opinion, which has had a surprising influence on our modern society. The host opens by pointing out that in listening to the show, I have become part of a public community of listeners. I am the public. We are the public. Later on, the podcasters discuss change and the power to make it happen; exploring how the public sphere was created, changing the shape of society.
Today, we have incredible amounts of media to reach each other and communicate with the public world. We have grown from speeches in small theatres to broadcasts over radios to podcasts over blogs. We have so many means of communication, the question now is; do we have something to say?
Podcasts themselves can be used for instructional purposes, as 'how-to' manuals for the audio-learner. But they can also be used for inspirational purposes, to provoke thought and spread information. Use the media available to you, don't shy from the world, embrace it! Take advantage of the technology and go global!

Joy to the World!

Joy! Joy is simple. It is a simple word, a simple emotion and one that is easily found. To make a change for the better, take joy in the small things. Take joy in simplicity. Crack a smile, a genuine one, for the little things that make life joyful. A giggle, a birdsong, the smell of fresh baked cookies or a morning coffee; simple sensations that offer you comfort and joy. Take the time to notice something small and lovely today and tomorrow. Brighten your day, brighten your life! Be joyful!

Bring the attitude to a whole new altitude

Attitude. It needs to change. Attitude can be the root of any number of problems. A negative attitude leads to a negative perception and experience. True, not everything in life is positive; but it is this very fact that urges us to change our attitudes for the better. To spread the good, to spread positivity. The only way to start the change is through the root; the attitude. The way you view the problem, the way you view the world. Look on the bright side, find joy in the little things, make a change.

MINE!

Selfishness. We need to shed it. We live in an exceptionally ego-centric society with all advertisements geared at YOU. And with products like the iPod, iPad, iPhone,and iwhatsit all bouncing around, it's no wonder we think so highly of ourselves. Even children's clothing brandishes'It's All About ME' slogans. And that is where it starts; but if it is all about US, then we have the control to make it all about each other. We have the power to change the selfish attitudes we all hold and trade them in for more compassionate 'you' and 'we' attitudes. It can be as simple as pouring someone a glass of water instead of them having to do it themselves. Serving someone first without begrudging them. Having the control and thoughtfulness to NOT take the last piece of cake. It's up to YOU.

Gimme Gimme Never Gets

Giving. Giving is good for everyone; the giver and the receiver. And not just a gift, but time, yourself; the act of giving, the very gesture, often means more than the gift itself. Give generously, don't hold back, why should you? Giving feels good, giving spreads good.

Mind your Ps & Qs

Manners. Please, thank-you, you're welcome. Simple words that have astounding significance, yet are so easily cast away in daily life. Even smiling at someone can change their entire day or attitude; not to mention your own. It's the simple things that make big changes, the small steps that result in a huge leap. Make a point of saying thank-you and your whole attitude could change.

There is beauty in imperfection

We are all imperfect. I realize that this blog may seem like a simple set of steps to changing your attitude and therefore changing your world, but in truth, it is flawed. I am flawed, we all are. Which is something that is so key to understanding each other. In order to love people, you have to love yourself, warts and all. On the same note, you must acknowledge your faults; pride is a roadblock. People are eager to teach, but reluctant to be taught. We are the blind leading the blind, the imperfect following the imperfect. Let's be straight with ourselves and with each other; we have faults.

Action!

If step one was acknowledging a need or desire for change, step two is acting on that. The next teeny step seems simple, but can be as daunting as an elephant. Listening. Listening is more than nodding along and squishing your face into the expected expression. Listening includes eye contact and thoughtfulness. Hold back that amazing story that perfectly relates until the other person is finished with their story. You could learn something, about the world, about that person, about yourself. The act of listening shows that you care for that person, that you value them, their thoughts and opinions. Listen through the chaos, to the simple silence.

Step One

A challenge. That's what this blog is. A challenge to change; actions and attitude. To change the world for the better; to make the good contagious to counteract all that bad news that travels so quickly. A challenge to demonstrate love in our lives and to appreciate people.

It's a process, ongoing, ever-changing and never finished. Change happens in baby steps; this is the first. Take the challenge. Change the world, one step at a time. Use the picture to the right inspire you, and to remind you of why you want to change. Or find some inspiring quotes to encourage you.