You don’t think we can change the world. I know we can.
You will tell me that I can’t help everywhere. I will show you that I can help somewhere.
You will question, criticize, judge, and hate me because that’s what you do. I will take principled, calculated, and small steps forward because that’s what I do.
You will show me the statistics, charts, and numbers that show I’m not changing anything. I will take the genuine smile and relief of others as a sign that I am.
You will make individual people doubt their gifts and you will tear at the seams of commonality that bind us. I will rally, inspire, and lead others by building on the common bonds of our humanity.
You will focus on what I can’t do or should’ve done. I will focus on what I can do and what I am doing.
You will condemn me when I rest and scold me when I gain. I will take care of my needs and graciously take the gifts I receive along the way.
You will continue thinking that to share is to lose. I will find that to share is to gain.
You will wait for the right moment, opportunity, or permission to act. I will open the door and see serendipity waiting for me.
You will remember and catalog my mistakes. I will remember the lessons I’ve learned from experience.
You will let your fear and worry keep you safe and secure on the sidelines of history. I will carry them with me, knowing that there is more to life than sitting comfortably by the fire.
You will reach your final days and see that your inaction and dissuasion were a series of choices you wish you could change. I will be spent but proud of the flourishing life I lived, making this journey better for others.
I am changing the world. Lead, follow, help, or get the hell out of the way.
This is a wake-up call; I will ring again. Take your first step toward doing epic shit and be the change you want to see.
Damn the torpedoes man, I love it.
Life is too short to be afraid to take action.
One of the better inspirational posts Ive read in a long time. keep up the great work. thanks for sharing
Wooo! Firey!
I like it. I like it a whole lot. A fantastic wake-up call.
o/ cheers & applause!
.-= Marissa´s last blog ..Two reasons email has become ineffective (And how checking it once a day addresses them) =-.
Love this!
Hey there, Charlie:
Yup, this is a dang good mission statement.
Bless your heart for trying to make a positive difference to our world: your story is inspiring. Thanks for sharing with us.
“Lead, follow or get out of the way,” reminded me of Ted Turner, CNN owner, who achieved success despite obstacles.
Your sojourn through life is like a one-man show, but we are here to support ya, buddy.
Just you wait and see, your day will come too. It is just a matter of time. Be patient and reach for the stars that light up the night sky. Be gentle with your own self.
And, when the chips are down, go easy on yourself. No sense in getting upset: this too shall pass. And we’ll be cheering for you!
Charlie,
B/c you are changing there is already a shift happening. Look at this tribe you have built. The naysayers, well that’s their business and they can remain there while the rest of us change shift and be of service.
this is the most amazing, empowering thing I’ve read in a long time. May I have permission to post it (with credit and link) on my blog?
.-= Jeanette LeBlanc´s last blog ..for all my fellow makers of pretty things =-.
“… to share is to gain.” Hey fellow change agent, thank you. Peace.
.-= P. Annie Kirk´s last blog ..Healing Garden Primer ”” a spring appetizer =-.
Thanks Charlie. I needed this. Feeling a little overwhelmed by what I want to do. That’s OK: I can do it.
.-= Shawna R. B. Atteberry´s last blog ..Company Girl Coffee: I survived the holidays edition! =-.
Hell yes. I’m with you all the way brother.
You go, Charlie! I feel changed, seen and heard when I read your posts. If you can help me, someone you don’t know, feel that way through your inspiring writing, imagine the larger impact you’re having. Thanks!
.-= My Happimess´s last blog ..Adding More ~ing To My Life =-.
Very inspiring! Don’t worry what anyone says, YOU are the only reason you need to continue down the path you see in front of you. Follow your vision.
.-= Steven | The Emotion Machine´s last blog ..Believe That Nervousness Is A Good Thing – And It Is! =-.
Love it. Well stated.
.-= Charlotte´s last blog ..Fictionette WriteCast Episode 5 – A Perfect Brainstorm! =-.
Love it! God, what powerful writing, Charlie….
I especially loved this line: “You will let your fear and worry keep you safe and secure on the sidelines of history. I will carry them with me, knowing that there is more to life than sitting comfortably by the fire.”
It’s easy to be a back-row critic and have your say from the back where it’s all safe and you can sound clever by espousing theories. Theory doesn’t matter on the frontline and there’s plenty of real risk on the frontline. But that’s where the richness and meaning happen too, so I’m hanging out with you on the frontline.
.-= Cath Duncan´s last blog ..Chatting With Jamie Smart About Goal-Setting =-.
Waoh! this is some epic shit!
Your are an inspiration!
I agree with Cath Duncan and Koren Motekaitus etc and etc this is well written we cannot let the moment to pass forget “the fear”.
We must sieze the day and move to where we must go. Lots of good comment from we are catylsts of change from people such taking the road less travelled. I think jumping does mean the net will appear. I find focusing on strengths as you point out help (not others) helps with the jump. Jump!
Heya Charlie,
This piece struck a deep chord. You have such a way with words; such a gift.
Thank you.
Simla
Wow, powerful stuff!
It is awesome!!!
I’m printing this out and am going to force myself to read it every day. Thank you for doing this; it’s important work.
I fucking love this – and even though I have never met you I fucking love you! Big gratitude coming your way.
I ❤️ it! And I ❤️ you!
Thank you for inspiring me act instead of just to dream.
Thank you for inspiring me to push forward when I wanted to give up.
Thank you for inspiring me to stand out when I wanted to blend in.