Let there be peace on Earth, and let it begin with me…” 

As I begin to write the last letter of the year, that’s all I could think to begin with. I’m reminded of the profound words I heard early in life; “The only thing we can change 100 percent is ourselves.” But how will changing myself change a society filled with all kinds of strife?

    When I envision world peace, that huge, conceptual dream that seems so far away, I picture a line of people holding hands in a circle around the globe, all equal and responsible for themselves and others—where we still believe in “All for one and one for all.” It’s a place where we don’t just lecture our children, but actually do unto others as we would have them do unto us.

If I have learned anything through Natural Awakenings’ inspirational articles, it’s not that laws and government need to change so much as our hearts and minds need to change. Perhaps if my kids witnessed that change in me a thousand times a day, as well as our friends and neighbors—even strangers—I could begin to see where the “change reaction” may make a difference.

I’ve decided to begin the journey towards world peace with me. This holiday season begins with changing my thoughts and actions toward others, and most importantly, spending my prayer dedications and meditation intentions on others and their needs instead of my own. I can only imagine.

“Let our New Year’s resolution be this:

We will be there for one another as fellow members of humanity, in the finest sense of the word.”  ~ Goran Persson, former prime minister of Sweden

 May all that is beautiful and meaningful bring you joy and happiness this holiday season and through out the new year!

Scott & Daralyn