We live in a society that seems at odds with our founding father's paths. We seem to argue before understanding and jump to conclusions quickly. It could be the leftovers of generations brought up on short stories from television or from the fast pace of our lives. Either or any cause brings me to wonder what will become of us if we continue this spiral into hate and distrust.

Whatever happened to respect of those in responsible positions? Our presidents whether Democrat or Republican seem to be treated with disdain and mistrust when confronted by the media. Citizens seem to lose interest in the meaningful dialog of change and progress and replace it with sarcasm and ridicule. In my practice I noticed a distinct lack of respect for parents, teachers, and those in authority. No one seemed immune to the constant verbal abuse from the 'next' generation.

What can be done to reverse this trend? What can we do as the 'older' responsible generation to instill our forefather's love of country and in turn love of self? Any form of change begins with a commitment, an intent, to make a difference in not only your life but in the lives of everyone you touch. A simple commitment to change an attitude, a thought pattern, or a new and novel approach to conversing with others makes an enormous change in the world around you.

Think for a moment of the way your world is constructed. Would it be possible to make just a single change? Maybe one like telling to your spouse or significant other each morning as you rise to face another day that you love them. A simple I love you is all it takes. Doing this one simple act could set in motion a new life as you or your loved one goes about your way.

Be courteous to others when opportunity arises is another subtle change you can make. Whether this opportunity is found in your daily commute or in the relationships you have with co-workers a simple thank you or excuse me is all it takes to change your world. But think for a moment. If you were bold enough to make such a simple change how would that change affect everyone your path may touch?

Making a small change creates a ripple in the energy of life and as such begins to expand around you. Each act amplifies that ripple and causes more and more people to be affected by your one simple act. Your creation so to speak will begin a change in a wider and wider area until you will notice that ripple return to you in so many ways.

Prayer, gratitude, respect, love, kindness, understanding, and so many more acts between people will cause our world to change. It will form that small pocket of peace that will spread in profound ways. In my lifetime I've seen so many changes in people's lives simply because they changed their attitude or way of thinking about a single subject or event. They created change and thus began a web of changes throughout everyone they touched.

Can you take that first step toward change? Can you begin to see others and treat others in ways that will ripple change in your world? Think about making just one change, change one thought, change one act, change one moment in your life and see your world become new. You have courage, love, respect, and all those qualities needed deep within your being. Simply remember they are there and they are a part of who you are.