Kenyona 'Sunny' Matthews | Words to live by: Be the change you want to see
Do you have a motto — words you live by? Do you repeat words of encouragement quietly to yourself or shout them loudly?
I love inspirational quotes. My love affair with words and how they can lift your spirit started when I was just a kid. Remember WWJD (What would Jesus do)? That was a popular one. Of course, I had a bracelet. Didn’t you?
I collected these short and sweet sentences. I would find them in books that I read. Or a character on TV would whisper them to the main character of the movie I was watching. A few were jotted down after I read a poster at my school. If the sentence felt right, then I wrote it down in my beloved yellow spiral notebook. My "food for thought" journal. The edge-worn notebook was filled with pencil markings. Strings of words that, at some point, moved me.
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I lost the book. I grew up and did not need to dream as much. Now, I don't need an entire book of words to inspire me; I live by just a few of my favorites. These phrases have stuck with me. I often find myself whispering words of love, support and encouragement. Our modern world is rough, and these words still keep me going.
My favorite phrase was a challenge. Today, it means even more to me than it did when I was a kid:
"Be the change you want to see in the world. "
It is that simple.
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This world is scary and mean. Shootings. Violence. Anger. Sadness. This phrase is our way to live and thrive off of the good in the world. We need to be our own heroes.
I have friends who have founded grassroots organizations. I know a mom who lost her daughter to addiction. She turned her grief into change. She supports families who are impacted by addiction. She is a change agent.
I know a man whose son took his own life because he did not want to face his bully. He tours the country talking to kids about bullying. He is a change agent.
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I volunteer for several organizations and serve on the board of several groups. Each day, I strive to be the change I want to see in the world. I encourage you to do the same. Find love and encouragement where you can. Volunteering can be a surefire way to warm your heart.
Kenyona Matthews lives in Northeast Ohio. She and her soon-to-be husband are raising two children. She enjoys long walks, swimming and flea market treasure hunting.
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This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Kenyona 'Sunny' Matthews: Words you live by; be a change agent
