Paulo Coelho said, “The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion.”
Not surprising, since most of our opinions relate to what other people should do – people who are largely unaffected by what we think. Also, we’re usually far more comfortable expressing our opinions to people who agree with us, or people who have little influence on the situation, than we are talking directly to the people whose behaviour, actions or practices we want to change.
There are two good ways to be an example, rather than a mere opinion-holder. One is to be the change we want to see. For instance, if we think that people should be kinder to each other, we can practise kindness, focussing especially on those who are unkind. If we want our children to be more respectful, we can be respectful of them, and so forth.
The other way is to take steps to rectify a situation we’re unhappy with. Complaining about the way things are leaves us feeling powerless – and does nothing to endear us to our longsuffering audience – but when we act to confront the situation directly, we reclaim our sense of purpose and self-respect. It might involve something small but significant like speaking up at a meeting or writing to the local council, or something life-changing like leaving a job or relationship. Either way, it means following through on our principles.
Since the only person we can truly control is ourself, that is the one place to start if we want a better world.
Stephanie Hills ©