Start With Yourself

When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits,

I dreamed of changing the world.

As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change,

so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country.

But it, too, seemed immovable.

As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt,

I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me,

but alas,

they would have none of it.

And now, I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realized:

If I had only changed myself first,

then by example I would have changed my family.

From their inspiration and encouragement,

I would then have been able to better my country

and,

who knows, I may have even changed the world.