Change begins with possibilities

I watched the movie Freedom Writers this weekend. It's based on a true story of one teacher and the impact she had on a class at Woodrow Wilson High in Long Beach CA. What I realized when I watched this is that she empowered her students to change their own lives, and she started by changing their perspective.

We can only create change for ourselves when we see possibilities. If we are stuck in a box, and can't see anything new or different, we don't have anything to base our dreams on. But when we take the top off the box and peek out, we have the chance to see something new. We have the chance to see what could be.

I encourage you to take an honest look at your life. If there is an aspect you are unhappy with and you say, "that's just the way it is", realize that you are probably in a box. Take the lid off and look around, see what else is possible.

Sometimes we can't take the lid off by ourselves and we need to ask for help. So look around and ask someone to help you. Perhaps it's a person who is living the life you want. Maybe you can ask them to share their perspective with you. Perhaps it's a trusted friend, counselor or mentor. Ask them to share their thoughts with you. Ask what possibilities they see. Then believe that what they share with you could be possible for you.

In the movie, the kids in Erin's classroom were almost all in gangs. Their reality, their world was based on race, protecting your own, and hoping you live through the day. Erin helped them see they are more alike than different. She helped them see that their world is not unique, and that there are other possibilities . . . if you are willing to change.

What's possible for you?