When I was young and free I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, and realized the world would not change, I shortened my sights somewhat and dreamed of bringing great change to my own country at least – but I soon realized that too seemed impossible.
As I entered my 30’s, I decided that if I could change just my community, I would have accomplished a small feat, but alas, I remained unsuccessful. When I reached my 40’s, I settled on bringing change to only my family, but to no avail.
It was when I hit 90 years old, that I suddenly realized that if I had only changed myself first, then by example I could perhaps have changed my family and community; in turn, bettered my country; and from there I may even have been able to change the world.
We often find ourselves swept up in a quest to change others, failing to realize that if we only endeavored to change our very own selves, we’d create a truly powerful ripple effect. Bringing positive change to our universe begins not in any grand sweeping gestures, but rather in improving the subtleties of our very own characters.
Think about the properties of viral marketing, wherein concepts are spread from person to person explosively.
Indeed, when we live our lives according to the truths and values we ought to, others instinctively pick up our energy, thus generating a positive virus that can spiral further than our greatest expectations.
Want to make a change? Start a virus!
Shabbat Shalom
R. Mendy
