Monday, January 14, 2013

Make that "Someday" be Today

As I was reading Running the Edge, by Olympian Adam Goucher & Tim Catalano, I was reminded that so often we like to save a goal for another day, or to vow to make a change later. It's time to make that day today. The book quotes an inscription on a tomb in Westminster Abbey: "When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change, so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country. But it, too, seemed immovable. As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it. And now, as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realize: If I had only changed myself first, then by example I would have changed my family. From their inspiration and encouragement, I would then have been able to better my country, and who knows, I may have even changed the world." As Gandhi famously advises, "Be the change you want to see in the world." To make that more digestable, it's time to be the change we want to see in ourselves. Call it a permanent resolution, or just simply a mindset. Making a change is your choice. Choose to make that someday happen. Starting today, starting right now.