The thought, “hell yes, one person can change the world!” passed through my mind recently. That’s big progress, considering the mega-trillion random thoughts that this girl gets to deal with on a daily basis.

So friend…some thoughts about that thought: A smile, a hug, a handshake, soft eyes, connection, honest communication…truly, it’s small AND it’s what will change the world. It starts with self-connection, learning to connect to “self” in the presence of others ultimately helps you connect to them…it’s not being afraid because of differences…it’s feeling good and hopeful, trusting that they want peace, love and connection as much as you do.

Last week I was sitting in the Nashville airport looking for Elvis.

I was later informed that I was wasting my time…Elvis is apparently in Memphis :). That’s when I had that thought about changing the world, as I was people watching. Anyway, I was on my way to see a good friend in Charleston, South Carolina, which was my first Navy duty station, 30 years ago. I was anxious about returning to Charleston, as it wasn’t one of my best experiences. I was a naïve young girl from the West and had a quick wake up call…the South was very different than the West…it was confusing. I was ready and hopeful for a new Charleston experience.

Happily, this time around I found a lot more connection to others in Charleston than I ever expected. I believe that’s because I brought a different me. 30 years ago I was disconnected from everything…Charleston didn’t stand a chance…it wasn’t the place…it was me.

I was disconnected from people, from culture, from differences…from myself.

I never wanted to be that writer…you know, the one that quotes Ghandi, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” But it’s so true and, as much as I want to make others responsible, it absolutely starts with me. I have to connect first, to find myself in another person…I need to give the smile first…if the other person doesn’t smile back, that’s okay…it was a gift from me.

Maybe someday he or she will learn to receive that gift. People are defended for various reasons, all of which I know nothing about. Maybe that smile will invoke an exhale of some of that defense…it’s not up to me…all I can do is show up and connect.

The more I write, the more I’m hearing the need for positive vibes…we all need love and peace…we all need connection…we all want to know that it’s going to be okay. It’s going to be okay! I believe that whole-heartedly.

We get through…we adapt…we survive…we thrive.

A challenge (if you care to accept) is to connect with one stranger today…just a little eye contact with a smile. It’s small and it’s huge. It just might make his or her day and yours in return. You will connect to amazing pieces of yourself and, even more importantly, you will “be that change.” Ghandi agrees.

Until next time, friend…much peace and many blessings.

PS. How to be the change — watch it here!