You Can Only Change Yourself

I used to be a person who couldn't handle criticism. I thought that I knew what was best, and I blamed all my problems on other people. I was so miserable and I didn't even know where to begin in terms of fixing my life. It was around that time that I received these words of wisdom, though, at the time I thought they were ridiculous, and kind of made me mad.

You can only change yourself

You can't change the way people act toward you, you can only change your response. You can only change you. It's one of the most important things anyone has ever said to me. I so appreciate the people in my life who were willing to step up and tell me what I needed to hear, even if I didn't want to hear it.  In the last few years, and especially the last few months, I've realized that I  have all I need to make changes in my life. I don't need other's approval (although, I'm human, I do appreciate approval) I've learned not to take it personally when I perceive other people to be unkind toward me. I've learned that so much is based on perception. I never know what another person is thinking- I may just read into how they're acting. That gets people into a lot of trouble, and sometimes a world of unnecessary hurt. 

In the past few months, as I've shared about a bit before, I hit an all time low. As I've also said before, I'm certain God allowed me to hit this low so I would reach out for help, and realize the fullness of life that was available to me. After reaching out for help, I've come to a place of amazing discovery. 

I've been immersed in change, and I love it. I try to learn something new every day. There is so much to learn. I've learned that as self aware as I think I am, I also need to be aware that I don't know everything, I'm open to the fact that today I might hold one opinion, and tomorrow I might learn something new that stretches me, and may change my opinion, and that's ok. People think they know everything, until they realize they know nothing. 

I believe that when people turn inward to work on themselves is when true change can occur. I feel like so many people look to others to blame. The way others treat you is not an excuse to be a miserable person. 

Through my struggles I have realized just how deep my faith goes. I don't believe I do anything on my own, I believe God provides the grace we need. My faith wouldn't be as strong and as deep as it is if it weren't for God's grace. The belief that I cling to is that God is always good. No matter what circumstances. Believing that gives me so much strength and hope. 

The point of my ramblings is that I believe we should be constantly be changing and evolving, and listening to what God is saying to us. Change can only occur when we look inside ourselves. And I mean truly look inside ourselves, and rely on the word of God to bring change into our hearts.