Chapter 1: The Power of Individual Influence

"In a gentle way, you can shake the world." — Mahatma Gandhi

Photo by Priscilla Gyamfi on Unsplash

Recently, while at a local pub, I struck up a conversation with a young professional. We delved into topics like faith, existence, and mortality. At one point, he expressed, “The world is in chaos, and I doubt it will ever improve.” I quickly countered, “I disagree. I believe in our world’s potential for change.” He chuckled and questioned, “Really? How do you figure?” I replied, “Change begins with each of us. If you focus on your actions, and I focus on mine, we can initiate a transformation in our world.”

His pessimistic outlook is not an isolated sentiment. People often voice concerns about the state of the planet yet remain passive in their efforts to effect change. They scoff at my optimism, but they listen. They want to believe in a better future. As I spoke, I noticed a shift in his attitude; he began to nod in agreement and eventually said, “You’re right. It does start with me. We can indeed make a difference.”

Real Change Begins With Us

Let’s not dwell on the individual committing theft or the corruption on Wall Street. Instead, let’s turn our focus inward. Each of us has the capacity to spark change. If we aspire to create a better world, we can. Let’s be mindful of our words and our behaviors. Simple acts of kindness—like holding the door for someone, paying for a stranger's coffee, or greeting others with a warm smile—can have a profound impact.

Our world is not devoid of hope. We possess the inner strength to make a difference. Gandhi understood this truth: we can influence our surroundings in the gentlest ways. You don’t need wealth to create real change. Begin by improving yourself. Help your neighbor with their yard work. Offer your seat on the bus to an elderly person. Start each day with a smile.

Shifting Away from Negativity

Before I took a break from news and social media, I felt overwhelmed with despair regarding the state of our world. I felt trapped in hopelessness. Once I distanced myself from negative influences, I began to see the world differently—a beautiful place that nurtures and supports us. I started to cherish the gentle caress of the spring breeze, the soothing summer rain, the serene fall colors, and the rhythmic songs of birds. The Earth transformed into a realm of love and beauty.

The Weight of Our Words

“Your words can cultivate gardens or devastate forests.” — Gemma Troy.

In my childhood, my mother often reminded me, “Your words hold power.” Even at the tender age of six, I grasped the significance of this statement. It meant I had the ability to create, destroy, or heal. My vivid imagination allowed me to envision a world overflowing with peace, joy, and love—a world that seemed within reach.

However, as I grew older, I became inundated with stories of violence, greed, and corruption. The constant barrage of negative news weighed heavily on my heart, casting a shadow of sadness and despair. I spiraled into a deep depression, struggling to understand our purpose in life.

Life as a Journey

Eventually, I came to a realization: life is an experience filled with highs and lows, joys and sorrows. I began to question why we often emphasize our struggles over our blessings. I decided to shift my perspective. I adopted a more compassionate lifestyle, embraced gratitude for what I have, and let go of toxic relationships. Life began to flourish, and so did I.

Cultivating a Positive Mindset

I encourage you to join me in nurturing our world through a simple act: focus on the positive. Appreciate the little things. Disconnect from negative stimuli—turn off the news, set aside your phone, and soak in the beauty of our planet. I challenge you to find joy in everyday moments: observe the trees, flowers, and birds. Look at a child, a puppy, or the stars above. When we shift our focus to gratitude, the world around us transforms. Smiles will replace complaints, and joy will flourish.

Start Each Day with Gratitude

Each morning, greet the day with appreciation and a smile. Say to yourself, “Today is a beautiful day, filled with love, joy, and peace!” Resist the urge to check social media or the news first thing. Instead, take a moment to appreciate your surroundings—the warmth of the sun, the gentle breeze, and the beautiful snowfall. Recognize the everyday blessings in your life, such as food, clean water, and comfort.

Let’s commit to steering clear of negativity. Regardless of how things appear, our world is abundant with love and joy, not hate and division. Together, we can make a difference, and it all starts with us.

This TEDx talk by Simon Watts emphasizes that each of us possesses the power to effect change in our communities, sparking inspiration for individual actions that contribute to a better world.

In this video, "The Power To Make A Difference," the speaker highlights how even small actions can create a ripple effect, encouraging viewers to recognize their influence and take positive steps.