Change: A New Day on Planet Earth…
“Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom. A man can’t ride you unless your back is bent.” Martin Luther King, Jr.
Change: A New Day on Planet Earth... earthlights in darkness
Every time I come across questions that ask: What would You do if you ruled the world? or What changes would you make if You were Commander-in-Chief for a period of time?, two quotes come to mind; “Things do not change; we change.” by Henry David Thoreau and “You must be the change you wish to see in the World.” by Mahatma Gandhi. Change does begin with each of us, however, it is not a bad idea to encourage us to contemplate a world where we made the decisions.
Imagining a world where we are not powerless to influence change is a good thing. Why? Because, at least for a short creative moment, we can imagine what we would like to change on Earth; our planet earth. By thinking about change, we can begin to think of ways we can make a positive contribution. Perhaps, we would be a bit more sensitive to the plights of others and work on our own limitations. I also think that our views on the matter shed light on our beliefs, our wishes, and our dreams.
Given all the turmoil in the world today, it is obvious that my first act of change would be an end to war, an end to global strife, an end to fighting of any kind. The senseless killings that go on around the world in the name of all sorts of things; politics, religion, power-baiting, and other reasons will be set aside and a new day of sincere diplomacy will rule. I will have a meeting with the leaders of every nation and get a commitment from each to work together towards ensuring global harmony and the equitable treatment of all people.
“Each man takes care that his neighbor shall not cheat him. But a day comes when he begins to care that he does not cheat his neighbor. Then all goes well – he has changed his market-cart into a chariot of the sun.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
Change: A New Day on Planet Earth... earthmodis in turmoil
Another thing I will put an end to is suffering, poverty, and all forms of oppression and cruelty against people and animals in our world. I would designate a day of the week for active participation in Peace and Love, and communities will be rewarded for performing acts of kindness to each other and to strangers. Healthcare and Education will be available to all, and no one will be worried about shelter, as all will have a roof over their heads and food on the table.
All forms of global lack will be gone and freedom to enjoy the fruits of our labor will be guaranteed. Those in need of special mental care will receive it and criminal behavior will no longer exist as each person will have enough to enjoy a productive and happy life… Environmental concerns will be addressed and resolved and Earth Day 2011 will be a day of joyous celebration of our beloved and well managed earth. What about your plans for change?
“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” Reinhold Niebuhr
Change: A New Day on Planet Earth... love amongst all
As a way to encourage my fellow men and women to treat each other with love and respect, we will have celebrations in our communities to honor everyone’s special day of their choosing; a birthday, a wedding, a birth, an achievement of any kind. Everyone will send well wishes to each other on those days and we will invite each other to our dinner tables.
Hatred, petty squabbles, racism and all forms of isms will be abandoned and all will live in harmony in our world. Naturally, we would have found Utopia because, for once, man would see the futility of continuing on the path of hatred and destruction = self-annihilation. What about you? What will you change?
What are your thoughts? What would you change if you were in charge of our planet? Of a country? Does it matter? Do share. Thank You! 🙂
Positive Motivation Tip: Change begins with each of us, then, we carry it to our communities, and finally to our global relationships. Let’s put our best foot forward.
Related Articles
- What Can You Do to Help the Planet this Earth Day? (vivanista.com)
- Spill a Picnic Basket this Earth Day (treehugger.com)
- Earth Day 2011: Help a Family, Help the Planet (hawaiihabitatforhumanity.wordpress.com)
- 4AllPromos is Committed to the Environment with their Earth Day Pledge (prweb.com)
- Picnic for the Planet (earthdaystaunton.wordpress.com)
PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: Photo of Earthlights, LoveCouple and EarthModis via Wikipedia
Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet
I think, what I’ve tried to write today about alarmism is near your topic too …
You did a great job there! I gave some thought to the topic and thought “mmm that is too hard, I will think of something else!”
cheers
Lorraine
Elizabeth for President!!!
Alas, you would need years and years, not a day, to accomplish the utopia you describe. And even then, it wouldn’t come about. Sorry, I’m a bit cynical today. I guess the best each of us can do is try to improve our own little corner of the world.
Hey, quick question, how do you like Nick Vujicic book? I know you are up all night…lol…If I were in charge the the country I know I would do things differently, but that is what makes the world go around.
When I was still studying, I remembered always wanting to be remembered as “someone who was a catalyst for change.” Thank you for reminding me that it’s always up to me – being responsible for the outcome want to happen.
Great post Eliz!
If only… I want to believe in your utopia E!! But I’m afraid I have a darker view of human nature…
I agree I would get rid of “Hatred, petty squabbles, racism and all forms of isms will be abandoned”
I would also abolish positive descrimination because this causes racial “disharmony” people of all races, creeds and colours, ethnic minorities should be judged purely on merit alone. People from all backgrounds should be encouraged to interact wtih each other and “understand” and “respect” their differences.
Hey ho and I live in cloud cuckoo land…but I can at least pray for peace 🙂
“You must be the change you wish to see in the World.” <– I LOVE that quote. I actually have it on a notebook that I use at work. My mantra is that YOU have to make the change if you want to see it happen. I often have people vent to me (and I equally vent to others as well) but if you don't try to change it and fix the situation for yourself, cuz no one else is going to do it for you, then you have no grounds to complain.
I fought for my freedom. I love many of MLK’s quotations.
This was a question elsewhere today and part of my response was eliminate borders. We are a tiny planet in a massive galaxy, jet we fight and squabble over essentially tiny bits of land. How amazingly short-sighted we are.
I am a big fan of Michio Kaku and even more so of astrophysics (nerd – yes) in that my motivation is to see how the future might be through science. I know that I read somewhere (and I’m probably getting this somewhat wrong but this is what I got out of it) that civilization will change as we become more intelligent. Newer generations will beget more intelligence until one day we look back at all the hate and war and petty differences that we deal with daily in our time on Earth and question how mankind could have ever been so backward. Someday, the utopia you describe will exist – I firmly believe that- as long as no one annihilates us by stupidity along the way.
“You must be the change you wish to see in the World.” by Mahatma Gandhi is a beautiful quote. I will try and live by that day by day.
Beam me up, Elizabeth!!!! I want to live on your planet. 🙂
But one person CAN make a difference.
And every great advancement for humanity has begun with a dream.
I’m reminded of Michael Jackson’s song about the Man in the Mirror…we need to change before change happens.
Thanks, Eliz, for a wonderful post and a world most of us would love to inhabit. 🙂