“Why am I feeling upset?”
Some people avoid this question, some run away from it, some are afraid to think about it, some think about it and get trapped in it. But you always choose to face it head-on. “Is that what perpetuates my unhappiness? Because I keep thinking about what makes me feel unsettled?”
You’ve pondered on it for years… only to find out it’s quite the opposite.
Pretending to be happy when you're not doesn't lead to true happiness—it only deepens the sense of dissatisfaction. In fact, you can’t reach fulfillment without getting to the root cause of what makes you feel discontent. In addition to pursuing what makes you happy, reflect on what makes you unhappy. Don't run away from those aspects—confront them. Choose one problem that weighs on you and strive to resolve it unconditionally. Do it without expecting anything in return, without trying to impress. Do it because it's necessary, and you'll find a deeper sense of fulfillment and happiness. There’s no shortcut to get to it—you have to go through it.
Listen attentively. There’s this little voice in you that urges you to do something. The things that you wish you had when you were younger. The things that you wish you had now. The things that you wish for others to have. As if it couldn’t wait. As if it had to change at this very moment. As if your happiness was dependent on it.
No.
It’s the storm inside of you that constantly pushes you to work for change, but tapping into your inner peace is how you bring out positive changes effectively. Be patient. Close your eyes and breathe. It’s the calmness of your mind that irons the wrinkles of your thoughts, and clarity of thought steers you in the right direction. Your love for humanity is your reason. Your moral compass is your navigation. Your meditative nature helps you sort out your course of action. Your benevolence is your essence. Crystalize your vision. Can you see if it will happen? Your belief in humanity will be tested time after time, but don't let hatred prevail. At the end of the day, it is hope that makes change possible, and those who believe in its possibility are the ones who can bring it to fruition.
Your contemplation of the world helps you understand that the world is a mirror. What do you see in that mirror? It’s a reflection of your energy and perspective. Like everyone else, you can bring out the best or the worst in other people. Choose how you want to exercise that power wisely. It’s not “be yourself, the world will adjust” but “change yourself, the world will adjust.” You are not a constant. You are a variable. In fact, everything is a variable. We are all inter-being with each other, with nature, and with the universe itself. Instead of wishing to make an impact, you focus on making contributions. Instead of wishing to change the world, you hold yourself accountable to be the change. You have to change.
Be part of the solution, not the problem.
Reflect on the times you changed your beliefs. What prompted those changes? How did someone else contribute to your transformation? If you rebelled, what provoked your resistance to change? Run through these questions when you reflect on the times you had such an influence on others as well. Tap into your inner wisdom—understanding yourself paves your path to having a greater understanding of the world. Focus on your strengths. There’s no one way to bring about change, but effective change only happens when you instill your magic in how you do it.
Obstacles will arise, but don't let them discourage you. When you’re aligned with your purpose, you'll attract the right people to support you on your journey. Enlist the help of those who can contribute positively to your path. Be the positive change you want to see—seriously, really dare to be it. Look for role models, but don't forget that you are also a source of inspiration. Share your light, find your tribe, build bridges. Communication is key. Remember: Everyone has the power to influence the algorithms of the world at large, but no one can do it alone. Just as individual grains of sand may scatter in the wind, together, forming a unified pyramid, they endure storms and create marvels.