"Be the change you want to see in the world." ~ Gandhi

The season of spring is a re-birth process that nature gives itself and it also influences us, since we are part of nature as well. This time of year inspires us to embrace the new. When we feel inspired, eager and motivated to make changes for ourselves, we often think that others should be as well. This is not often the case. You may think you can plainly see what is best for someone else or what would help him or her. However, it is not up to us to change others. We are each on our own path and our own journey...each of has our own lessons to learn.  

If you are choosing to release self-defeating thoughts and behaviors, you must not expect those around you to do the same.   It is amazing the tension and pressure that drops when you realize that there is nothing for you to fix in others.   It is a valuable gift to practice the art of teaching by example.   As the ever-inspiring Gandhi has said, "Be the change you want to see in the world."   How about being the change you wish to see in others?  For instance, telling someone what you "think is wrong with them" or what you "think they should do" to better their situation will most likely turn the person defensive. They may even rebel in a way, especially if they are not seeking your advice.

Be the change you wish to see in others.   Practice being at peace with yourself and you will see peace in others and find peace with others.  Be patient with yourself and you will find that you are more patient with others.   Love yourself completely and unconditionally and it will be easier to love others as they are, not how you think they should be. Ultimately, the only true way to change others is to change ourselves.  If we can shift our thoughts and our perspectives, then our attitudes and outlooks will change.

If you find yourself having a "difficult" moment within yourself or with someone else, do your best to shift to a place of gratitude.  While in the middle of a situation, if you find this hard, simply be thankful that you even have the opportunity to "choose again." Gratitude transforms darkness into light and can shift your attitude to a positive, hopeful one. Be thankful and trust that all is perfect and that there is nothing to control or contrive or "fix". Simply be open to release the old and to receive the new.

An affirmation that Louise Hay uses often in her books and lectures is, "I am willing to change."   If you find yourself disturbed by others and trying to fix others, try the affirmation, "I AM WILLING TO CHANGE. I AM THANKFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO CHANGE MY THOUGHTS." Then the energy can begin to shift to you changing and thus seeing the situation and people from a different perspective.

Have fun tending your own garden. It is not your responsibility to tend others'. We each find our own way at our own time, just as nature intended. Simply be the example.

"We must always change, renew, rejuvenate ourselves; otherwise we harden."  Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

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About Lisa Brooks:  I started studying metaphysics when I was 15 years old in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  I remember the first day I learned "I could decide how I feel" and that "I have active participation in creating my life."  What an "aha" moment for me.  My passion for learning more on the subject grew.  I enjoy discovering new ways to better my life and help the lives of others.  A career in modeling brought me out to Los Angeles in 1998.  I am blessed with a flexible job that allows me time to pursue my other passions.  Living in this area has brought me more in contact with like-minded souls and more opportunities to learn and grow.  I am a Reiki practitioner and plan on becoming a Reiki Master soon.  Visit www.useyouruniverse.com for more information.  If you have questions or comments, email lisabrooks@useyouruniverse.com.