Skip to main content

Change: Wanting vs. Being


We all say that we want to make a difference in the world but how many of us actually see ourselves as people who can do that? I know I didn't, even though I said that I wanted to make a difference in the world I didn't really see my self a powerful enough to do that. It was only a desire that was not a reality to me that I could actually do.

That has been changing for me though. Recently someone told me that they saw me as a powerful women with the world at my feet, and it changed how I see myself. I no longer only see myself as someone who wants to make a difference but rather as someone who can make a difference. And that difference does not have to be something big. It can be just in the small things that I do. I can make choices in what I say and how I act which can impact those around me. I can voice my thoughts and experiences of life and that can make difference for how someone sees a situation or event. I can help people see how their actions impact others. I know now that all these little things can add up to something huge that maybe I can't see right now.

There is even a power in the intention of doing something to make a difference. Maybe when I chose to avoid a store or brand it doesn't make a difference, but my action and intent makes a difference to me. I know that I am taking a stand. When I chose to share something on Facebook it may not change how someone thinks about something but I voicing my thoughts and opinions and that makes a difference to me. That I am not afraid to speak up.

And then there are some days when I forget to make that mental change from wanting to make a difference to making a difference. I slip back to the familiar territory of being passive and not active. I have to remember that I am able to make a difference. I need a daily reminder to no longer want but to be. I need to change how I perceive myself.

It is exciting and revolutionary to see myself this way now and I want everyone to have this moment where they no longer only see themselves as wanting to make a difference but as the person making the difference.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Alumni Spotlight: Troy Andrade 2007

Troy J. H. Andrade is a 2007 graduate with a BA in Economics and Political Science, and a minor in Music.  As a student, Troy was heavily involved in The dCenter’s Rieke Leadership Program.  In fact, Troy created the Rieke Leadership Award poster that hangs in the dCenter today (right next to the bookcase, check it out!)  Troy is originally from Manoa Hawaii and still remains close to many of his friends from PLU. Troy, Jackie (Sasaki) ('07), and Noah What type of work are you doing and why is it important to you? I am currently an attorney at McCorriston Miller Mukai MacKinnon, LLP, where I specialize in complex commercial litigation, administrative law, and appeals in both state and federal courts.  Working as one of two Native Hawaiian attorneys in a prestigious and large law firm provides me with a unique opportunity to educate my colleagues on the socio-historic and political struggles of the Native Hawaiian people when dealing with issues sensitive to our people, suc

A Reverse Mission Trip in El Paso, Texas

Mathew 5:13-16 13  “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14  “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15  Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all   who are   in the house.   16  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. – NKJV We rested in the sanctuary of Iglesia Luterana Cresto Rey in El Paso Texas, for a small worship service beginning our last reflection of our Border Immersion experience. Pastora Rosa led us by asking two questions. Who has been a light for us in our journey? Who has made an impact on you this week? How could I possible summarize my experience engaging in a community when I had learned so much? It was only seven days earlier that I embarked on my journey, clum

Welcome!

The Diversity Center has been dubbed the space with “the comfiest couches and best conversations on the PLU campus.” Most of us are familiar with the impact the physical space of The Diversity Center has had on ourselves and others. The Diversity Center has been a home away from home for many of us, providing sanctuary and family. It is a space that promotes self-exploration, conflict with civility, social action, advocacy, and community. The Diversity Center has used social media (sometimes well, other times not so much!) as an extension of our physical space. Our philosophy is that social media should be used to create a “Virtual dCenter” and offer opportunities for dialogue and sharing resources just like our physical location.We realize that not everyone can benefit from the physical space of The Diversity. Folks leave the university, move to other parts of the world, and have lives that make sitting on those couches impossible. This doesn't mean that those indivi