When Ghandi said, "Be the change you wish to see in this world", he had the right idea. We must first be the example of what we wish to see reflected outside of us. While we can't change other people (only they can change themselves), we can always change ourselves, our situations and circumstances in life. In order to do so, we must begin by asking ourselves the questions, "What is it I would like to see, feel and experience outside of me?" and "Do I see, feel and experience this inside of me?" If not, it's time to find out how to change that.
For me, the answer to the first question has primarily always been "joy". Love, peace and abundance are answers too; however, joy has pretty much covered all of those for me. Joy has one of the highest vibrations - right up there with love (or even higher, actually) - and the grace and ease at which you can manifest while in the vibration of joy is abundant. But that's not the only reason why I choose joy. I believe that being the joy I wish to see in this world is how I help humanity shift, grow and heal. Like Ghandi with peace, joy is what I stand for.
However, being the joy I wish to see in this world isn't as easy as it sounds. Just as Ghandi was met with opposition, I've had my share of the same in being the example of joy. I've been called silly (which I think is a good thing even though it was meant to be negative), immature, irresponsible, naive, selfish and unrealistic (that's a big one). Overall, being joyful has brought many condescending attitudes. Sadly, there are many people operating under restrictive and limiting conditioning over the "right" way to be and expect you to abide by that. None-the-less I've learned to let go of their judgments and opinions of me. I realized that as long as I let go of the need for their approval, their judgments don't bother me.
Sometimes outside opposition isn't my only challenge. My mind occasionally gets in the way. It's easy to allow negative thoughts to consume you, but with practice I've learned to redirect them back to thoughts of joy. Positive thoughts such as, "I am joyful" or "I am happy" are powerfully supportive. Overall, simply wanting to be joyful makes it a lot easier to have my thoughts follow suit.
Probably the most helpful tool after choosing to be the joy has been following my joy. At first, I had to let go of resistance due to fear of being selfish (old conditioning) but my powerful choice and intention overcame my fear. Besides, my beliefs are strong in that being and following joy has positive results on everyone in one way or another. So it's really never selfish.
Are you interested in being the joy you wish to see in this world, too? If so remember you must first choose it! Once you do, let go of the need for approval because while you'll have a positive effect on the world, there will be some people who just won't resonate with that. Don't worry, they'll come around at the time that is best for them. Watch your thoughts, too and make sure they are in alignment with joy. And remember to follow your joy. If you're unsure about what that is, take some time to meditate with your hand over your thymus (spiritual heart) just below your throat and ask your higher self, angels and guides to help reveal what is joyful for you. And don't worry about being selfish when following your joy. You can balance following your joy without disregarding your responsibilities or obligations towards those who are close to you by simply carving out time for them. Not the other way around. Don't carve out time for you - carve it out for them. Your choice to be and follow your joy should always come first. Without that you really don't have the strength or stamina to help anyone else.
So now that you know how to be the joy you wish to see in this world, go do it! Shine your light for all the world to see. But above all, have fun and enjoy the experience!
