I stand alone today…

“I've found a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
And the reason is you”
Hoobastank – The Reason

So, I’m driving into work this morning and I hear this song. It’s really a beautiful song. But there’s something wrong with it. It’s advocating that you can change who you are because of SOMEONE ELSE.

Hey…that’s a beautiful thought and one that MANY love songs like to put forth. However, IT’S COMPLETELY WRONG!

There is only ONE person that you can change for…and that person is YOURSELF.

Let’s be honest, it’s hard enough to change. The only way that you’ll ever succeed in changing yourself, in any way, is because you wanted it enough to keep on working, even when it’s so hard that you don’t think you can do it anymore. And really…there’s no one that will make you feel that way or work that hard.

For every change you try to make, there WILL BE opposition. Often, it’s opposition from the person that wants you to change the most! YOU might even be the source of your own opposition.

That’s why changing is so hard. It’s a constant struggle and fight to take that next step forward. If you’ve got your goals straight and your reasons right, then you will be able to find it within yourself to keep pushing on. To pick up your foot and take that next step forward, closer to your goals.

“I stand alone today WHY YOU FEEL Don't ask me why I feel
I just know I feel this way WHAT YOU SAY I stand alone today”
Jackyl – I Stand Alone

This is an important point that MOST people don’t ever get. It’s called SELF-HELP for a reason!!! :-) There is no one in this world that can change you, make you change, or keep you from changing. Sure, there are people that can cause you problems and heartache and pain, but they can’t stop you or force you if you don’t let them.

When you’re working on changing you…you are on your own.

And you know what? That’s OK. You really do have everything already inside you that you will need to make those changes. Once you make that decision, really make it, and hold on regardless of what is thrown at you, you will find that the tools to make those changes are waiting inside already. Sure, you may ask someone to help you to find those tools, or teach you how to use them (It is rather hard to hammer a screw into a board after all) and that’s OK too. Part of the toolset that we all have is the ability to reach out and ask for help when we need a boost. Don’t think of it as if you’re borrowing a chainsaw…you’re just having someone show you how to not cut your leg off with the one you’ve got. :-)

Once you realize that you’re the one you have to change for and that you CAN do it with everything that’s already inside you…you will find the path to making true and lasting changes in your life. And as you start walking down that path, you’ll find that there will be others that will come and ask you for help finding or walking their own paths.

And helping someone like that is one of the greatest blessings you’ll ever have in your life.

Hey…you’re still reading? See…you’re one of my greatest blessings today. ;-)