Be Yourself and Change The World

be the change you wish to see in the world...gandhi

I have always found music and the written word to be very influential and powerful forms of expression in my life. I simply retrace the steps of my life and a book, a quote, a song, or an artist will appear on my mind's play reel. In fact, my collection of music and books deserves some credit for defining who I am as a person.

And every year, as it comes to an end, I reexamine the year and try to determine what I did well, what I failed miserably at, and what I can do to continue improving myself and that around me on this journey we call life. I can become quite introspective, really, and can always lean to another great song or quote or book that puts my thoughts into clearer perspective.

For this year's ending and the arrival of 2010, then, I thought it would be pretty cool to pick out just one quote, just one, that would signify my hopes for myself, my family and friends, and for you for this upcoming year.

You've already read the quote at the beginning. I thumbed through so many of my favorites and kept coming back to Gandhi and his wise words. In these uncertain times, where the landscapes of politics, of medicine, of war and international relations, of our amazing country and its current conflicts, of humanity, of everything, really, seem so tempermental and fragile, I wanted to remind myself of all that I can do to make this world a better place. Cliche, I know, but still heartfelt. Simply put, I wanted a quote that would help me direct my energy towards positivity and improvement.

My second goal for this post, however, was much harder. I challenged myself to pick out one song, a favorite or otherwise, that could serve as a reminder of that which is good in this world and that which is not good but could be potentially bettered by our individual actions. For that song, click here-- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Lv4yfpwTds. I challenge you not to feel something when you watch this brilliant video's stills and hear these powerful lyrics.

The common thread of both Gandhi's great words and Garth's amazing song is simply that...change. We all possess the power and energy to create a better place for ourselves, for our family, for our friends, for our children...why are we wasting time?

I hope 2010 is your year. May you all edge a little closer towards attaining your personal goals and, along the way, changing our world for the better. And if you show the world a smile along the way, all the more good.

Have a Blessed and Happy New Year!
Jim

And now, an open challenge to you. Through the comments, share with your fellow readers and I one quote or one song that has inspired you in your life. Maybe we, too, can get some inspiration from your choice for the upcoming year. As always, thanks for reading...a new medical post on Monday, January 4th, 2010!