Monday, August 8, 2016

Change

2016 hasn't been an easy year, both in my personal corner and around the rest of the world.

It can be overwhelming and devastating.

We can't fix it.
We can't forget it.
We can't let it continue.

But, we often feel so powerless.

At school, we often have conversations about change. And that the only person's behaviour we have any control over, is our own.

We can change how we act.
How we react.
How we think.
How we help.
How we love.

Start small.
Change yourself for the better.
One small improvement leads to another.
One small example spreads.
One kind word or gesture can make a bigger difference than you'd ever expect.

Be kind.
Be thoughtful.
Be better.

Be the change you want to see in the world
~ Gandhi

49 comments:

Lydia Kang said...

Wonderful thoughts. We need to be reminded, over and over again. :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Definitely! We can make our world a little better.

Mason Canyon said...

Very inspiring post, Jemi. And so true. One step, one person at a time can make a difference.

Patricia Stoltey said...

Wise words, Jemi. The world seems to be crazier than ever before in my lifetime, so we need to focus on one small piece of the world and make it a better place.

Heather R. Holden said...

Such an inspiring and thoughtful post... <3

L. Diane Wolfe said...

All it takes is one person to set the example.

JeffO said...

Nice post, Jemi.

Jemi Fraser said...

We do indeed

Jemi Fraser said...

We can - and it often takes so little effort!

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks Pat. I think that's the only way to make it better!

Jemi Fraser said...

We can!!

Jemi Fraser said...

Exactly!

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks Jeff :)

Jemi Fraser said...

I always have that quote up in my classroom :)
If everyone had your attitude and strength the world would indeed be a better place!

T. Powell Coltrin said...

School has its challenges for sure. I pray the second half of Make me an Instrument each day before school and remind myself it's about the kids and not me. "O, Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love; For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; it is in dying that we are born again to eternal life." I like the entire thing but your post reminded me of this part. - T

Natalie Aguirre said...

Really love the quote and Gandhi is one of my heroes. So true we have to focus on what we can control. Remembering this has helped me get through the challenges of the last few years. Sorry you are having a hard year. Some of mine was too.

Jemi Fraser said...

That is lovely! And full of wisdom :)

Jemi Fraser said...

You've had some tough times. The world isn't easy but we really can make it better :)

Caryn Caldwell said...

This is beautiful, Jemi! You are so right, too; we need to be positive, to be the change, to be the heroes -- even when it's hard. I hope the year gets better for you and for all of us.

Denise Covey said...

Definitely! We can only change ourselves, not others! I think we've moved into a new world, not a great world, and we have to get used to it. :-)

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Start small. It's possible. Beautiful, Jemi!!

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks Caryn. I hope so as well :)

Jemi Fraser said...

We do - and keep striving to make it better!

Jemi Fraser said...

It is possible - thanks Lynda ;)

DMS said...

Very good advice. The only behavior we can change is ours and it will have an impact. I also like the idea of making some small changes a little at a time and then the changes are easier. Let's all spread happiness and smiles. :)
~Jess

Jemi Fraser said...

Let's do it! :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks Marcy! :)

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

When I find the outside world getting to me more than usual, I try to take a break - from the news, from negativity, etc. It's not so much about putting my head in the sand as it is about saving my sanity. I have to keep myself as strong and as "sane" as I can. :)

Jemi Fraser said...

I agree. Taking a break from the heartache out there is important - and smart!

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

Nicely said, Jemi. Words of wisdom, I always need.

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks Joylene - I think we all need reminders :)

Beth said...

Lovely words. It has indeed been a difficult year for the world. I hope your corner of the world takes a turn for the better. xo

Jemi Fraser said...

Thank you - me too! :)

LD Masterson said...

I read somewhere that we should all end our day with a simple prayer. Turn over all those worries to God - "You've got this." And ask "Please help me be a better person tomorrow than I was today." I guess that about covers it.

Jemi Fraser said...

Linda - it really does cover it. Imagine if everyone wanted to be a better person tomorrow! That would be amazing!

Anonymous said...

Even though I can get stuck in my reading, writing, to-do list, and whatnot, I'm trying to pay more attention to my surroundings and see how I can better myself and benefit others.

Jemi Fraser said...

I bet you are, Medeia! It's so easy to get caught up in our own corners :)

J.L. Campbell said...

Thanks, Jemi, for sharing this. If we're not improving ourselves and making the world a better place, then what we do is in vain.

Lily Schreiber said...

The power of one. I always think about how you can't get to 1000 without starting there. It's comforting to be allowed to start small.

cleemckenzie said...

Because we're always connected and connected immediately with what's going on around us, we're inundated with the dark side of life. So seldom does the news tell us "nice" stories. I think that's why the Olympic Games are so popular. They're exciting. They're positive. They're uplifting.

But you're right. Start with yourself. That's the way to make a difference!

klahanie said...

Hi Jemi,

Wise, thoughtful, emotive words, my kind friend. The better starts from within and transcends to the world around with a renewed, warm, positive aura.

Thank you, you have no idea how much I needed that.

Gary :)

Theresa Milstein said...

Short post with important ideas. I agree that even the small things make a difference.

Jemi Fraser said...

Exactly, Joy!

Jemi Fraser said...

It truly is - some of the world's issues are so big, but when we break it down to one step at a time, it's much more doable!

Jemi Fraser said...

The Olympics do seem to inspire peace and hope. Even the commercials tend to be kinder and gentler at this time!

Jemi Fraser said...

I'm so glad, Gary! The world can really inundate us with such negativity. It's important to remember we do have power for good!

Jemi Fraser said...

They do indeed, Theresa! :)

Michael Di Gesu said...

Hi, Jemi...

You are spot on with this... Thanks for summing it up so nicely.

HAPPY WEEKEND!

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks Michael! :)