“I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change”

I took this picture years ago in Los Angeles, CA. The caption immediately caught my eye. While the sign was promoting a musical, it also reflects something universally familiar: our innate desire to change others.

Since that day, I’ve experienced significant changes; moving States, shifting professions, and evolving relationships. These transitions brought lessons learned and opportunities gained. Through it all, one undeniable truth remains: I am the common denominator.

Perhaps we wouldn’t work so hard to change others if we focused first on changing ourselves. Maybe it’s time to release our version of who we think others should be.

• Have you ever noticed how people complain about the weather, despite having no control over it?
  
  
• Or witnessed someone struggle to let go of the past, even though it cannot be recovered?
  
  
• Have you considered that while change is inevitable, our response to it is always a choice?

Starting With Ourselves

We cannot meaningfully help others without first helping ourselves. Change begins within. As Gandhi wisely said:

“If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him… We need not wait to see what others do.”

What steps will you take to embrace change within yourself?