Change Starts With You
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Health and Wellness

Change Starts With You

Use compassion, creativity and conversation to change your life and the world.

Bri Flasch
Nov 15, 2016
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
37
Change Starts With You
Harding Meyer

I'm not saying this election was perfect. I'm not saying today is the best day of your life.

What I am saying though, is that today will pass, tomorrow will come, and everything is going to be okay. Things will change, but it will be gradual, and it will require you.

There is so much change happening in this world, but we are going to survive. It may be grimy, it may slow, it may require moving forward for some, and taking some steps back for others. Everyone has a different breaking point, but everyone also has a different starting point.

What inspires you to make change? When do you start making change? Have you been sitting back for years? Is this your pivot point? Is this your cue to finally start running in the direction you should be?

Not every step of action requires being in a protest or something big, but rather the smallest, yet greatest step towards change is a simple formula I've created.

C = C+C+C ... (Math, am I right?)

Change = Compassion + Creativity + Conversation

Compassion

The first step to understanding other people's points of view is by being compassionate. Give a hug, offer support, be there.

Creativity

Show them how it has never been done before. Find new ways to make your voice heard. Explore art--both visual and performance--or any other forms you can think of. Maybe they won't even see the change until they look back and notice the difference.

Conversation

The beauty of listening and sharing stories is one that goes back further than all of us. We all long to be listened to. We all want someone to understand our perspective, and by listening you are starting that process.

"Sometimes you have to get knocked down lower than you have ever been, to stand up taller than you ever were." - Charles Bukowski

In a world of followers, I encourage you to be a leader. The simplest way to change this world is to start with simple acts of compassion, and add a human element to every conversation. Whether it be in a political discussion, in a relationship, or in your habits, change starts with you. It always starts with you. AsYrsa Daley-Ward said, "See, they never held you back. It was you, only you."

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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