Chapter 1: Embracing Change

Change often presents itself as an opportunity rather than a hurdle, except for those who are hesitant or complacent.

We all possess a bit of this reluctance, but transformation is possible.

“Your silence will not protect you.”

— Audre Lorde, Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches

You only have one life. My sincere wish is for you to create a limitless existence for yourself and those around you. Life can be as breathtaking as a meteor shower or, on a more poetic note, as enchanting as a night sky filled with shooting stars. Conversely, it can also be as perplexing and harsh as the injustices faced by the innocent. May your wisdom and guidance be so impactful that you alter the course of adversity and inspire the hopeless with the vastness of our world. Strive to be wise and humble enough to become a lasting memory from which others can grow.

As we navigate through a rapidly changing era, we are met with challenges that evolve faster than we can grasp. If you aren’t growing, you risk being left behind. Unlike the dinosaurs, we don’t have the luxury of time. So, begin your journey of growth right now. Focus on making life more efficient and becoming more of a resource for others.

I, too, have found myself stuck in outdated thinking, clinging to the notion of being “old school.” My younger colleagues often found humor in my inflexible yet insightful perspectives. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter what I believe; I am not the one steering the ship, and we should all be grateful for that. Many still act like dinosaurs, making the same excuses they’ve held onto for decades. The stark truth is that they are failing in mind, body, and most critically, spirit.

I understand the frustration of learning something only for it to change shortly thereafter. Who are “they,” you ask? This only underscores the fact that while we can’t control everything, there are numerous aspects of our lives we can influence.

Let’s assess our current reality:

• We have the present.
• There’s a good chance we will have tomorrow.
• The past lingers in our memories and subconscious. Thankfully, we can learn to cherish the positive moments and lessons while working to eliminate cognitive distortions, limiting beliefs, anger, and regret.

While I can’t dictate others’ actions, I can certainly control my own. To confront today’s challenges, I must evolve.

We all have the potential to improve and grow. Picture how much you could achieve if you dedicated every moment to personal development. Imagine working alongside a mentor or collaborating with peers.

I know we are capable of far more than we often realize. I’ve witnessed both hardship and triumph. A piece of advice: don’t let one overshadow the other. We can start seeking ways to be more effective right now.

Consider innovative ideas to explore. Reach out to others; there is wisdom to be gained from everyone. We can learn to become better leaders, and it seems much of the business world has overlooked that teachers are leaders, too. I can leverage my skills in persuasion and entertainment to shift perceptions. When life presents obstacles, remember: the game isn’t over; it’s just beginning.

This leads me to my purpose for writing this piece. My purpose lacks the specificity that many “experts” advocate for, possibly because I’m still figuring out what I want to be when I grow up. My primary aim is to awaken the immense potential within each of us. Secondly, I aspire to positively impact others, ensuring they benefit from my presence and remember me. Lastly, I have a desire to achieve financial success, which I have accomplished in the past, as I wish to use it to help others.

I am currently engaged in a project that is already making strides. I aim to provide inspiration, ideas, and encouragement to those seeking growth in this ever-evolving world. I hope to offer comfort as well. Few pursue teaching without a desire to correct injustices and guide our children through life’s ups and downs. Everyone grapples with their own struggles or has faced injustices. I believe those who help tend to be more affected, which is why they often become compassionate warriors. Despite the challenges, they persevere, or may temporarily step back, only to return again. It’s an addiction of sorts. My advice is to take life as it comes while always committing to personal growth in whatever you do.