Faye of Summit Musings is the hostess for this week's Fun Monday. The topic Faye is asking us to write about for the first Fun Monday of 2009 is, "What's on your mind lately?" One of the themes that has been playing over in my mind is the possibility of personal transformation as well as the potential social reformation. This topic occupies my thoughts as I ponder how to reach my New Year's goal of becoming more organized in 2009. Additionally, a provocative discussion today in our Sunday school class about the ability or inability of people to make significant life changes has caused me to reflect on the topic of personal transformation and the broader topic of social change.I maintain that people can and do make substantive life changes. People do stop smoking or stop using drugs. Others do become kinder and gentler. Failing students do buckle down and begin to study. Overweight people do lose weight and become thinner.
In addition to people making personal changes, I think that society can and has changed for the better. Even though horrific events are happening as I write this post, I think that we have made some positive moral steps forward as a society throughout history. The signing of the Magna Carta in 1215, the formation of the United Nations, and ending of Apartheid in South Africa are examples of society striving to improve.
In the United States through the actions of civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King and others, we have changed from a nation where only white male property owners had full rights of citizenship to a country where all free adult citizens can vote and own property. We have changed from a country with segregated accommodations, schools, and transportation to a country that elected a man with a Kenyan father to be president of the United States.
Of course usually, the only way a personal goal can be reached is if we work towards that goal. And perhaps, the only way that society changes for the better is if we work together for the greater good. I am confident that we can do both.
19 comments:
Here here! I hope you are right! Now if only we all thought the same way it would be a certainty! Hugs to you! xxxx
I completely agree with you.
I am missing your first thoughts the minute you wake up? When you're alone and unguarded? Working? Stuck in traffic? Playing with the children? Walking the dogs ? That was the assignment.
my problem with substantive life changes is that I forget them once I fall asleep -- and then tomorrow is the same o, same o. ha ha!
It takes work of a nation to change our spots! Be it world wide or one getting on the stand and making a stand for change.
Come read mine if you can find time. Happy Fun Monday!!
Love your thoughts. And, so totally agree. Great post and very thought provoking.
I second Swampy above...excellent thoughts for this first Fun Monday of 2009. Here's to changing our spots!
Great post. I agree with you. I think change is good, especially if it moves in a positive direction.
Life is all about choices, all we can hope for is that we make the right ones.
I always thought you might be a higher order of human being. If these are your thoughts when you wake up, I must be right! I also happen to agree with them. Right after "!@#$% CAT!"
How right you are, Molly. Thankfully we all have the power to raise the bar on how we live our lives as individuals. That ability, coupled with the will to do better, will lead to social changes that improve us all when enough people believe. The beginning of a new year is an excellent time to examine our lives and, if necessary, correct our course.
I am too...confident that is. But, boy was that a heavy topic for Monday morning!
Very well stated - and yes we can!
I totally agree with that our country has come a long way against slavery, segregation and such but let's not get blinded by the historical aspects of our new president and know that one person can not give us the CHANGE we HOPE for. Only us as individuals can change our future through our own choices and decisions. I think that's a lot of responsibility that has been placed on the newly elected president to uphold a lot of people's 'dreams' of change and a better America! I continue to pray for our country and it's future!
Molly that was well said.
You are right and I think every country should be doing much more working together for the good of the rest of the world.
Great Post! Thanks for stopping by to check on me and Happy New Year!!
The quality of life comes from working on it most all the time. One must think about what is happening and then make the next move.
You're always so positive, Molly; I so appreciate that about you.
While change is difficult, I do believe it can happen, too. Especially when "good" motives are attached, there's strong reason to remain determined.
I wish you well in this new year :). And a particularly organized new year, at that!!
Great post, so many things to consider, but you're right, we can all change when we need or want to. I always think of change as growth.
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