Rave: Last week, I went to hear Regina Brett speak at my local library. For those of you who don’t live in northeastern Ohio, Brett is a columnist for the Plain Dealer and author of two books, God Never Blinks and Be the Miracle.

I’m not big on so-called inspirational writing, but her take on life makes a lot of sense. “Be the miracle,” she says, pointing out that not all miracles are huge and world-changing. Instead, many are small, yet life-changing, which is good news because, let’s face it, few of us are in a position to perform the momentous deeds normally associated with miraculous happenings.

Think about it. Those who have wrought the greatest changes in your life probably did so without even realizing the effect they were having, yet they were a miracle to you.

I believe Brett when she says we all can be miracles.

Mahatma Ghandi put it another way: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”

In other words, if something bothers you, quit bitching about it and do something — whatever you can from wherever you are.  If you think living in the 21st century has become an exercise in dealing with disrespect and bad manners, be the exception by treating everyone you meet with courtesy. Annoyed by what you view as a lack of common sense in others’ actions? Live your life in a calm and reasonable manner.

Who knows? Your small actions may affect others in ways you never imagined. You might even inspire others to follow your example, and, as another wise woman, anthropologist Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

If I have a philosophy of life, that’s probably it, to do the best I can from where I’m at to effect change where I believe it’s needed. Change happens one person at a time, and the only person we can truly change is ourself.

 Be the change.
Be the miracle.

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