There is this quote by Rumi which says:
“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.”
So, upon reading the quote, I was led to ponder about whether the world needs to change, or is it us? The immediate response to the change I would see in this world is equality, kindness, empathy and equity. But then after listing all these mentally, I had to further question myself if I, myself, abide by these qualities in my everyday life.
And the honest answer is no. I recall many instances when I react to others apathetically, many times when I haven’t been kind, and other few times when I have wished injustice on others, just because I was standing on the other side of it.
But then, I remember that many times I have judged too harshly, pointed out others’ flaws, and maybe hurt them in one way or another because it is pretty easy to see the mistakes of others when you are sitting on the other side of the looking-glass. This then led me to the realization that change does need to come from within oneself.
I recall that one time when I misbehaved with my mother because I had a bad day at school. I remember that one time when I snapped at my younger siblings because my parents scolded me. I remember continuing the chain of abuse, instead of breaking it. I remember, being a bully when I was a kid. I remember being rude, being angry, being miserable, all because I was surrounded by the wrong people, the wrong mindset, the wrong timeline. I remember targeting others’ insecurities, their flaws, just because they were being themselves. I remember feeling insecure because someone owned themselves, but I couldn’t. Because my perception of myself was so flawed. Because the flawed societal beliefs built that flawed perception. I remember putting other’s down just so they couldn’t see where I stood.
But do you know what else I remember? I remember growing up. I remember learning how to be kind. I recall learning how to put myself in other people’s shoes to get to know their perspectives. I recall finally admitting that what I had been doing was definitely wrong. I remember learning how to deal with kindness, how to ensure that justice is served, how to speak up, how to empathize with others, and how to live properly. I remember coming to the realization that the world is already messed up and me being among the ones who make it a messed up place, will never make things better. I remember breaking off old and long bonds just because they were wrong for me and I was wrong for them. I remember meeting new people, great people, perfect-in-their-imperfections people. I remember learning from them and from what I won’t want for myself. I remember realizing that there will be days when I am not being my best, when I am making the same mistakes again. But I also remember making amends, or at least trying to. I remember realizing that maybe our purpose in this life is to make this world a better place, maybe not all of us are made to do big things in life, some have to dedicate themselves to this beautiful planet we live in and that, I believe, is among the greatest things anyone can ever accomplish.
It’s really simple, what wanting a change is like; be the change you want to see in the world.
Want to change the world? Change yourself.
Want to see equality? Start treating everyone equally.
Want to be treated kindly? Be kind to others.
Want justice? Be just yourself.
Want some empathy? Be empathetic yourself.
That’s it. That’s the only step you can take to make the world a better place. Because if you want to change the world, you need to start from yourself, one person, one step at a time. Once you have successfully broadened your mindset about other genders/ religions/ castes, etc., then you can see the change with your own eyes. Once you become understanding enough to know why someone is angrily storming off, or why someone is dressed differently, or why someone is doing any sort of activity that differs from your mindset, once you become appreciative enough to appreciate other people’s uniqueness, and not get insecure about it, then you know you have succeeded in making the world a better place. For yourself. And definitely for others.