November 30th, 2024

“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Hey friends,

So, I’ve been thinking a lot about how I want to show up in the world, and I keep coming back to this quote by Gandhi:

“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”

It’s such a simple idea, but when I really sit with it, it feels so personal. For me, being that change is tied to so many things—taking care of my body, finding stability, learning how to thrive in a system that wasn’t made for someone like me.

Let’s start with my body. Over the years, I’ve realized how much of my ability to show up depends on how I treat myself. When I’m taking care of my health—eating right, moving my body, letting it rest—it feels like I’m honoring this vessel I’ve been given. It’s not always easy, though. There are days when I don’t feel motivated, when I’d rather distract myself than focus on what my body needs. But I’ve learned that if I want to see a world where people value themselves, where they choose healing and growth, I have to start by doing that for myself.

And then there’s money. Ugh, money. That relationship is so layered, isn’t it? For me, it’s not just about finding a job or making enough to get by. It’s about creating something consistent, something profitable, something that aligns with who I am. I’ve spent so much time searching for work that feels meaningful while still allowing me the freedom I crave. And honestly, that search? It’s exhausting sometimes.

But here’s where it all ties back to Gandhi’s quote. I want to see a world where people—where I—can live fully without constantly worrying about survival. And if I want that, I have to start building it. That means learning, trying, failing, and trying again. It means exploring what works for me, whether that’s writing, creating, or leaning into opportunities I hadn’t considered before.

And let’s not forget the human experience. Every day, I feel like I’m learning something new about what it means to be—to connect, to grow, to navigate this world that wasn’t built to support someone like me. Sometimes I feel like I’m swimming against the current, trying to figure out how to exist in a system that feels so alien.

But you know what keeps me going? Resilience. That invincible summer I talked about before. Every challenge I’ve faced has taught me something, even if it’s just how to get back up after falling. And every time I get back up, I’m reminded that I have the power to change my little corner of the world.

So, what does being the change look like for me? It looks like showing up for myself first. It looks like taking care of my health, building something sustainable for my future, and continuing to learn—about myself, about others, and about how to live fully in a world that wasn’t made for me.

And that’s the thing, isn’t it? This system wasn’t made to work for me—or for so many of us. But that doesn’t mean I stop. If anything, it makes me want to push harder, to build something better, to embody the change I dream of.

So, I want to ask you: What does this quote mean for you? What’s one small way you can be the change you wish to see? Maybe it’s choosing to care for yourself in a way you’ve been putting off. Maybe it’s reaching out to someone who needs kindness. Maybe it’s just taking that first step toward something you’ve been afraid to start.

Whatever it is, I want to hear about it. Let’s talk about it in the comments or send me a message. I’m learning, growing, and figuring this out too.

Thanks for spending this time with me. Your presence here means everything. Let’s keep showing up for ourselves and for each other.

Until next time,
Marjoly 🌿