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"A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Margaret Meade
 Last week I was hanging out with a good friend of mine. During our travels, we spotted a "parking cop" approaching a parked car in which the parking meter ran out.
We've all been there. My friend, spotted this and jumped into action. She ran to the meter, to beat the "parking cop" by a few steps, and went to deposit a quarter into the meter, thus hoping to save the driver of the car from the impending ticket. At that point the "parking cop" asked her if that was indeed her car, in which she answered 'no". The "parking cop" then went onto to mumble that she was not "allowed" to pay for someone else and proceeded to give this person a parking ticket. Not "allowed" to help out a stranger? You've got to be joking. We went on our way, but it really made me think of the famous quote from Mahatma Gandi: "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Listed below are three things to keep in mind when trying to affect positive change: 1) Tune out the "naysayers" and negative people The world has many people who like to complain, and paint a picture of doom and gloom. Unfortunately, we are going to face them more than we wish too. The key is not to give them any energy, and keep focused on doing what feels good for you. 2) Catch people doing things "right" It's really easy to find fault with others, the economy or the weather. Try looking for what is right with the world. I guarantee you will always get what you are looking for, committ to "capturing" what is right with the world - everyday. 3) Be selective in choosing your environments Feeding your mind with "good" stuff is the best thing you can do for yourself. Be very selective in who you spend your time with, and how you spend your time. We can either "spend" our time or "invest" it. The choice is yours.
Which reminds me of another famous quote, this time said by Margaret Meade: "A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." As for my friend, I know with 100% certainty that the next time she passes an expired parking meter, she will not hesitate to deposit a quarter for a perfect stranger - it's who she is. Shawn's book "Running Down a Dream - Leading your Perfect Life" is now available at Amazon.com. Click on the link to order your copy. Shawn's inspiring presentation "Learning to Live, Living to Learn" is now available on DVD! Click here to see all my blogs.  See my video on "Living with Diabetes":
Shawn Shepheard has worked extensively in the career development field, including recruitment, customer service, career management and leadership training. He is also a celebrated inspirational speaker and the 2008 Volunteer of the Year for the Canadian Diabetes Association. Visit www.shawnshepheard.com to inspire the audience at your next group event. Only registered users can write comments.
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