Glenn Stewart Coles, 9251 Yonge Street, Suite 8-924, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada, L4C 9T3
Text Box: There sure is a lot to worry about in our world. From oil shortages to pollution and global warming, from war and terrorism to starvation, AIDS and pandemic flu, from identity theft to shootings and home invasions, it seems at times that there is no hope. Each day the news reminds us of doom and gloom, and while we read about the horrible things that people are doing to each other, we wonder how it is possible to survive. A recent cover of Time Magazine advised us to ‘Be Worried, Be Very Worried’. The article was about the accelerated changes that our planet is undergoing. Our climate is changing, the landmasses are changing, and the weather patterns are changing. Each year dozens of species go extinct, as the environment no longer supports them. Does the human species face the same risk? In advanced nations, we are concerned about diminishing healthcare and insufficient education. Meanwhile, the governments keep raising taxes, attempting to fill a pot that never seems full. Meanwhile, developing nations face internal strife, shortages of food and water, and groups that rule through force and violence. With all of this going on, how can we possibly have hope? The answer lies deep within each individual. When we turn off the news and stop thinking about potential disasters, we realize that at the moment everything is okay. Even in the most impoverished nations, amidst the rubble there is sunshine. When we stop thinking about the potential evil of unidentified strangers, we realize that our immediate circle contains those who are bonded by friendship and love. When we stop thinking about yesterday and tomorrow, we realize that today isn’t really so bad. Maintaining a positive attitude does not mean that we should ignore the problems of the world. There are changes that we must make, both as individuals and as a species. However, while the change required may seem daunting and at times impossible, it is important to realize that we do not need all of the changes to happen at once. Instead, we need to develop a vision that supports the growth of our species, and move towards it. The most important change that we can initiate occurs within. As each person decides to make a positive contribution to the world, it gets better. As each person shows compassion, love grows. As each person decides to live with hope and optimism, the joy of life shines. Smiles and laughter are contagious, and acts of love and compassion affect more than just the immediate recipients. Ultimately, change of the world comes down to the choices of each individual. Each morning upon waking, a personal decision must be made. Do you wish to spend your day in pain and misery, reminding others how bad things are? Or do you wish instead to live with joy, feeling gratitude for the simple things in life that provide us with hope and pleasure? The bottom line is that there is always something to worry about, and there is also always something to be grateful for. What do you choose to do with your thoughts? What state of mind do you choose to be in each day, and which thoughts do you choose to share with others? Once you learn how to glow from within, day by day you change your external world. © Copyright Glenn Stewart Coles, 2006 First Published April 30, 2006

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The answer lies deep within each individual.