Change Starts With You

We don’t have control over others, though we can inspire, encourage, motivate, support, and help them. But ultimately, any change has to come from within that person. There’s a quote, “be the change you wish to see in the world,” which reminds me that while we can’t make people change, we can be an example. We can light a path for those who may be in the dark and needing guidance. We can share our difficult experiences to help others avoid the same pain or share our joys to uplift and strengthen.

Each of us has choices in life, and sometimes making the right one is challenging, even frightening. It takes real courage to look within and recognize where change might be needed. We’re human, imperfect, which is why we need more grace and compassion. Everyone carries invisible weight, and when we get frustrated by someone’s actions, it’s worth considering that poor choices might be cries for help or signs of misunderstanding.

Imagine if those who are struggling had more people listening to their stories rather than pointing out their flaws, might they be different? Change is possible, but it starts within each of us.

Whatever It Is, Just Start – You’ll Figure It Out Along The Way

Honestly, what holds many of us back is the fear of what our peers might think. It’s wild, really—because they’re probably not as concerned as we imagine!

How someone views you often says more about them than it does about you. If someone mocks or criticizes, consider how they treat themselves. Those who truly love and support you will always be there, regardless.

Remember, you don’t need to please everyone, and you don’t have to. You know your reasons, and that’s enough. Keep that close to avoid the noise and stay true to your path.

And here’s the thing: You don’t need all the answers to start. Taking the first step is what sets the journey in motion. Trust that clarity and confidence will grow as you go. Every step forward brings insight, and before you know it, you’ll be far beyond where you started—proud that you chose to begin.

m.g.

To See More Clear, Is To Listen

Pay attention to everything. Everything around you holds a voice, each with a story it longs to tell.

Listen deeply. Seek out the story in all things. Ask questions, pray, ponder, and meditate. The clarity you find will be surprising; even things you never noticed as unclear may come into sharper focus.

As you evolve and develop, understanding grows too—illuminating the past and offering glimpses into the future. But true sight isn’t achieved alone.

Seek, and you shall find; knock, and the door will be opened. God stands ready, always waiting for your call.

May I add to not be afraid of the answers that come your way. Trust that each revelation is here to liberate you, peeling back layers of uncertainty to reveal a hidden, beautifully defined path. Waiting…..just for you.

Every answer you uncover is a step toward clarity, helping you to see beyond the noise and confusion.

Let go of fear and allow the truth to guide you, knowing that, with each insight, you’re stepping closer to the person you are meant to be and the purpose you are here to fulfill.

Notice The Good Signs

Many of us are always watching for bad signs, or at least those are what we focus on. They’re the ones that seem to stick in our minds, weighing us down and becoming tough to shake.

Constantly looking for the bad can leave the good in the shadows. When we do this, it’s like planting more bad seeds than good ones in our minds.

But there are so many good things—moments of light, glimmers—that deserve way more of our attention.

Glimmers are those tiny, positive signs that often slip by, little reminders that good things are happening, too.

Though our brains are wired to spot danger, trained for survival, we can work to build faith that’s stronger than this tendency.

This shift isn’t easy. It’s a muscle we must work on every day.

Over time, with intention and patience, noticing the good can become as natural as looking for the bad once was.

Do Your Best With What You Have

It’s easy to find yourself desiring someone else’s life or possessions—especially on social media. Social platforms are full of rabbit holes that lead down the paths of envy and jealousy. If we spend too much time longing for what others have, it often breeds unhappiness and resentment.

There will always be someone with more, and someone with less. Contentment comes from focusing on what we already have. And often, when we look closely, we realize we have more than we thought. Count those blessings, daily.

Reminder that it’s not about having everything. True joy comes not from accumulating but from seeing our lives through a lens of gratitude, finding beauty in the ordinary, and remembering that every small gift is one to cherish.

m.g.

We Don’t Really Own Anything

Not too long ago, I had a realization: we don’t truly own anything. Everything we currently have is here for our enjoyment, to serve us, to bring us joy, or to help others. But we don’t actually own these things. We’re essentially borrowing them for however long we’re here, because when we pass, none of “our things” will go with us. Recognizing this has made me appreciate all that I “have” even more. These are gifts from God; yet, because they’re not really ours, we shouldn’t hold on too tightly. Let me explain.

A while back, I was on Facebook and saw a story that beautifully illustrated this. A man shared that he was at a gas station when he saw someone who was homeless and didn’t have shoes. His wife told him, “Take off your shoes and give them to that man.” And he did, without hesitation. Now, he could’ve easily thought, No, these are my favorite shoes—I paid a lot for them. But he didn’t, because he wasn’t attached.

It’s human nature to grow attached to our things, and it can be challenging to let go. But when the opportunity arises to share something that “belongs” to us, it’s a chance to pass on joy and appreciation to someone else. We can thank these things for the role they played in our lives and let them go. This doesn’t have to be a gift to a stranger—it could be to family or friends as well.

Personally, I’m learning that the more I give and let go of things, the more space I create—both in my home and in my mind. We don’t need nearly as much as we think we do. Why hold on when there are others who might need or benefit from what we no longer use? I have a few selected items that I hope can stay within my family, shared and appreciated across generations. But for everything else, I’m letting go of the idea that they belong to me.

“The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away.” Be grateful for everything God is lending you right now—everything.

What You Are Looking For Is Not Out There, It’s Within You

Have you ever spent time looking all over your home for your glasses, only to discover they’ve been on your head the whole time? Or maybe you searched everywhere for your phone, only to realize it’s been tucked in your back pocket? Sometimes, life is like that. What we’re searching for to fill a certain void isn’t out there, it’s already within us.

You might think a specific achievement, possession, or relationship will finally make you feel complete. But when you get it, that familiar emptiness still lingers, leaving you confused and wondering, Why do I still feel this way?

The truth is, the answer you’re looking for is right where you are. To find it, spend time getting to know yourself, just like you would with someone new. What makes you tick? Why do you react a certain way? What brings you peace? What made you feel alive as a child?

Keep asking yourself why, and dig deeper. “That’s just who I am” is rarely the whole truth. You are layered, complex, and beautifully unique. Discover the colors, textures, and tools that shaped you into who you are. Not every discovery will be easy—some may be painful—but that’s part of the journey. Vulnerability strengthens our connections with others, and being vulnerable with yourself does the same.

No one in this world knows you the way you do. You alone hold the knowledge of your experiences, your dreams, your fears. And you are worth knowing. You are worth your own love. Take the time to see yourself for the miracle you truly are.

m.g.

Be Like A Child

Life knocks you down. Life knocks you down hard. If we let it, life can harden our hearts, making us cynical and negative. Worry and doubt become our closest companions. We lose touch with the child within—the one who is resilient, carefree, and eager to embrace life’s joys.

Yes, life is full of pain, but it’s also filled with miracles. As we become more aware of life’s tragedies, anxiety often takes root, stealing the laughter from our days. Fear becomes a shadow over our joy.

Be like a child. Seek joy, even when life brings you to your knees. Let yourself find wonder, even in the smallest things, and keep the spirit of resilience alive within you.

Remember, in each day, there are small moments of beauty and magic waiting to be found. Embrace them, and let them soften your heart.

Develop Friendships With Those Who Believe Differently

We often become upset with those who don’t share our beliefs. But each of us is on a unique path, shaped by different experiences that give us our own views of the world.

Instead of pushing away those who see things differently, try befriending them. Talk to them, learn their story, and listen to why they believe what they do. When we open ourselves to different perspectives, we may even begin to see the world with more compassion and understanding.

I believe everything is connected in some way, and there’s something valuable to learn from every perspective. The beauty of having friends with different beliefs is that it challenges us. And sometimes, when our beliefs are tested, we become even stronger in what we stand for. It deepens our understanding and strengthens our spirit.

Seek out those who bring new light and layers to what you thought you knew. Let each new connection add depth to your world, knowing that every encounter holds a gift, if we’re open enough to receive it.

Lessons Are All Around Us

There is something we can learn from everything.

There was a moment when my children were younger, and we were watching The Cat in the Hat on PBS Kids. The Cat asked, “What makes a bird a bird?”

You might think the answer would be the ability to fly, but that’s not quite right. Penguins are birds, and they can’t fly.

The answer is actually feathers. That’s what sets them apart.

This got me thinking: What makes a human a human? It’s something to ponder.

I loved that I learned something or that my curiosity was sparked by something as simple as a quote from a kids’ show.

What I learned from that was that sometimes, what seems obvious at first has extra layers waiting to be discovered—or an answer to a question might seem obvious, only for you to realize it’s not the answer you thought.

Lessons are like that—they keep revealing themselves over time. For example, when you rewatch a movie or reread a book, you often pick up on something new you didn’t notice before.

But it’s not just books or movies—lessons are all around us. They can be found in nature, in conversations, in the innocent perspective of a child, or even in a kids’ show. Each lesson we learn shapes our actions and attitudes, creating a ripple effect.

Just as a small act of kindness can spread and inspire others, the lessons we internalize can encourage us to uplift those around us, making a meaningful difference in the world.

The key is to stay open, curious, and willing to learn, even from the simplest things.

Sometimes life teaches us in whispers, and it’s up to us to listen.

peace, love, & light

mg