Can we really change the world? I think about this question a lot.
I don’t wake up with an unbridled sense of pure optimism every morning—although I wish I did—instead, most mornings, I wake up feeling a bit stressed and overwhelmed. The one thing I don’t do is allow these feelings to paralyze me. Instead of letting this overwhelm consume me, I start each day with a simple reminder to myself—a reminder of what is most important to me. I remember what an incredible privilege it is to be in the work of empowering people to the futures they deserve. I am reminded that the greatest gift I can offer is myself. This reminder galvanizes me to take action. It keeps me going.
The key to all of this optimistic wishing is the reminder that we – the collective, the power of our combined efforts, are what will change the world. In my own efforts, I can change myself, but the impact will rarely cascade beyond my immediate efforts. But I know I am not alone. I know that when we work together and see the others in our lives as just people trying to do the best they can on this wild ride we call life, that is when anything and everything is possible.
It requires that we come together, share—of ourselves, our resources, our time, and our energies—and connect with one another. It is only in relationship with others that we can truly heal. So I guess that is it . . . This all starts with knowing we can change the world . . . with each other. So, let’s keep coming together. Let’s keep building bridges. Let’s not forget that a world where every child can access a life built on health, hope, home, and purpose is not only possible, it is entirely attainable . . . when we work together.
Can we really change the world? You bet we can. We already are.