I have learned long ago to change – that is make personal social, mental, and perpetual spiritual adjustments – in order be at peace with the people I hang with; and thus be able to maintain meaningful and rewarding relationships with those I contradict.
I have since learned that it is not a good idea to attempt to change another person. In fact, it is a waste of time, money, effort, and even breathe – not to mention loss of blood and possibly physical disfigurement – to try to change another human being.Recently, I have heard tittle-tattles here and there discrediting change that has been brought about by our new President and his administration. I have heard people airing complaints about how these early changes have affected their lives; and at the same time, I have heard people project outcomes of the changes that merely exemplify attitudes of those who refuse to believe that change has come.To clear the air, change has come. It is here for the next four years. Anyone who does not adjust the change will have carry a load of self-imposed bitterness, hatred, insecurity, and possibily a very long list of excommunicated relatives for the duration of the next four years – and the years would be passing by at snail speed for the person carrying the load.I believe that change is an inevitable part of life that God – or whoever you have chosen to have initiated everything – created to keep human beings concerned about one another and all of creation. In addition, I think change provides human beings opportunities to mentally and spiritually mutate and do better.Our new government certainly has and will make changes with the intent to make our lives better. I believe that all of our elected leaders have had strong precepts that have guided them to seek office and to propose changes for a better Palau – and so did those who did not receive sufficient votes.Our new elected government’s success is determined not by how much change it makes but how many of the people it serves accept and benefit from the changes it makes – and that is dependent on each individual’s willingness to change accordingly.I suggest you begin making personal changes – adjustments, if you will – and see how life goes. I know, for sure, that you must begin by eliminating all of the ill-will residue that formed during the duration of the 2008 campaigns. Physical changes rarely count – unless you go off the wall and cut off an arm or so. If after all you are still doubtful, repeat this prayer by an unknown wise person a few hundred times: “Lord, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.” And then change.I hope that you and I would be able to sit a table someday – despite our differences – and discuss our government with a positive attitude.
