I'm starting with the (wo)man in the mirror

Having moved around for most of my life, or my younger life, I should say, sometimes I feel the urge or need for change. Moving new places can be intimidating but can also offer a fresh start and the opportunity to meet new people. We have lived here in Salem since 1994, right before Tyler was born. It is odd to me that 3 of my children have never lived anywhere else except Salem, with the exception the 7 months we lived in Stockholm. I've never lived anywhere longer than 4 years until now ~ it'll be 16 years in June since our family has moved to Salem. 16 years!!

While we aren't physically moving to another city, I decided that I don't need a change of location to experience a change. I can satisfy my "itching feet" another way. (Itching feet was one of my favorite expressions from Little House on the Prairie ~ Ma said it to Pa every time he expressed interest in moving the family West.) To have a change, I need to BE the change. I can change for the better whatever I want to change ~ attitude, amount of service I do for others, desire to increase my testimony, improve my phyical health. And the list could go on and on.

Even though he was a troubled person, I've always liked the lyrics to Michael Jackson's song Man in the Mirror. The chorus reads:

I'm Starting With The Man In
The Mirror
I'm Asking Him To Change
His Ways
And No Message Could Have
Been Any Clearer
If You Wanna Make The World
A Better Place
Take A Look At Yourself And
Then Make A Change

When I take a look at myself, do I like everything I see? If not, how can I change those things I don't like. I know if I try to make all the changes I want at one time, I won't do it because it will be too overwhelming. Small changes, or a couple things at a time, is what works for me. So.....

Last night, instead of wasting time watching tv, or dinking around on facebook, the girls and I went for a long walk, played Boggle, read a few chapters of "How to Train Your Dragon" and then snuggled on the couch to watch a little Olympics and American Idol. We had so much fun together ~ what a nice change from just sitting around without purpose!

So here's to small changes ~ I'm starting with the (wo)man in the mirror. I already am liking what I see!