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.

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