One of my favorite powerful people is Marie Forleo, and she did a video post last week that was pretty powerful, titled “If Only I Knew” – my comments to her became the creation of this blog post, and in it she asked what we would share to our younger selves – what we wished we knew when we were younger.
A powerful lesson I’ve learned, and one that has become my mantra is to CHILL OUT. To not take on the weight of the world, not stress about that which we cannot control, and simply work on our own inner peace – because if you want to take on the mammoth task of “world peace” in its entirety, you have to start on yourself.
Allow yourself to grow and develop, and don’t get lost in that which you cannot control (others), or in what you want to present to others. As you are authentically you, your niche will be defined, and your impact will be greater on the outside because of the amazing growth happening on the inside. I have so many powerful quotes that I love based on this – “Be the change you wish to see in the world” by Mahatma Ghandi is my reminder to focus more on being that positive change vs. pushing others to do it.
I believe activism is a powerful tool, and the first “cause” has to be yourself. When people speak, it is their actions that really tell the truth. Being the change you want to see allows you to lead by example. Don’t be someone else’s expectation. Set your own and be powerful beyond measure. You set the bar for what you want to achieve, and you alone are in control of what your life (and your attitude on it) will be.
What is a powerful quote you live by? What changes have you made within yourself that has the potential to make a greater impact on the world?
Love that quote Clark.
I love that quote, Ashley. It’s true – Actions speak louder than words.
I’m happy you reshared this post! 🙂
Great post Ashley and all true. Here is another quote along those same lines which I like – ” Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes. ” – Carl Jung
A friend of mine’s mantra is “Make a difference right where you are” and it’s one of my favorites. So often do we think that we have to do it on a global scale to matter when in all reality…change starts within you and then that ripple effects starts, it doesn’t work the other way around.
Great post and reminder Ashley 🙂
Absolutely, working on our own inner peace is a powerful thing and a serious journey. Thanks for sharing.
Great insight, great post! Thanks for sharing!
Great quotes, Sutton! You are an inspiration and make an impact on every person you meet simply by your genuine gratitude and appreciation for everything around you. It is such a gift in this cynical world to meet people who are just generally grateful and choose to not dwell on the things to bitch about. You tend to always have a positive slant on life and on doing that, you are “feeding” gratitude to everyone you meet (or who read your book). You are feeding the multitudes already – just in a different way than you originally thought! 🙂
Cico,
Thanks for your comment – you are right – the best leaders are the ones that open our eyes to something they have been inspired by, and like Robert stated in the comments above, our fire fuels their own flame. We lead by our own vision, and in leading, help others see for themselves. Love it!
Robert,
That is SO powerful. Our quest for meaning, for significance…all boils down to what our “why” is. Why do we do what we do, why do we have this desire within us, why does this matter or this impact us, etc – why – what drives us all. I love your last statement – we are all fire and have the ability to ignite it in others by simply letting our own flame burn brightly!
Micki, yes, there is such power in the present moment. We can spend so much time (especially those of us in the US) focused on the future that our whole lives pass while we are simply looking further down the road. My brother has “Carpe Diem” tattooed on his back – his first tattoo – as a reminder of seizing every moment of every day. Thanks for the encouragement!
Fantastic post!
My recent concept of leadership is “someone who goes on a journey to a place they have never been before, returns in order to see who is interested in going to that unknown place with him this second time. He continues this process for himself and those who show interest in going on a similar journey. He is a guide, not a dictator. He can only share what he has experienced but avoids attempting to tell others what they should experience. People who question the path he encourages them. People who take detours he celebrates with them. He is a person who seeks to continually go to a new place because he loves helping others travel from where they are now to an unknown place they only dream exists.”
By narrowing the focus the impact to a the place we can visibly see, experience and even measure it increases our daily efforts…
Daily improvements are like the most fun thing ever!
I love that quote above about changing yourself! I’m a fan of quotes but a fundamental quote I reflect on is from Father Gordon: “Be grateful for all things, good and bad. Sometimes good things turn out bad and sometimes bad things turn out good so don’t judge them. Just give thanks to God and if you can’t find something in bad situation to be thankful for, thank God for his (or her) love and mercy”
That quote calms me down.
I’ve started a journey to learn and teach habits; everything from habitual thought habits to just regular old good habits to live a better life. I can use plenty of improvement and if I can get myself to change and improve, maybe I can teach some other people.
I used to want to ‘solve world hunger’. But I’ve become more humble and pragmatic with age. Of course there’s this: “You’ve always had the power my dear, you just had to learn it for yourself”. The Wizard of Oz
Awesome post, Ashley! My mantra right now is “Live In the Moment”. As a matter of fact, I purchased and Alex and Ani bracelet with the saying just this afternoon to remind me! This is most definitely something I have not always aspired to. In fact, I can say very confidently that it took me until about 45 years of age to realize that the most awesome things can happen when you live in the moment rather than aspiring for more and looking ahead all the time!
Thanks for the post! You are awesome at this!
Micki
Fantastic post… Timeless truths that we can only ultimately change ourselves if we expect to make a real difference.
My biggest change within me is the strengthening of my own personal “why”, and the realization that each of us have it. By owning my own “why” and story, my momentum increases, but also the fire that this ensues becomes contagious. Not only does my life change, but others will too. Fire spreads… All we have to do is light ourselves up, and just let it burn…