Many of us spend a lot of time complaining and focusing on the behaviors of others. We complain about how other people don't do what we want and we try to change those people in our lives that we have deemed "wrong or defective." Today it is time to stop trying to fix other people or their behavior and accept that if you want change, you are the one that needs to change.

This isn’t necessarily pleasant to hear. Because, of course, as long as you and I complain about what other people need to do, we avoid the discomfort and effort of looking at ourselves and making changes in our own lives. Expecting others to care for you or take responsibility for your life and your happiness can only end in disappointment and disempowerment. Today, it is time to acknowledge that you can restore your own sense of personal power and commit yourself to change the things that you can change-and let go of the things and the people that you cannot change. Today recognize that you can try to communicate and share with others, but you can’t change them. On the other hand, you always have the option to look inward, claim your power, and take steps to begin to change yourself. You can make yourself into the type of person you keep wishing others would be and do the things you keep wishing others would do. And while it may be scary to just stop trying to change other people and let go, it should also be an encouraging thought. Because the truth is that the power for change, either for ourselves or the world, is not anywhere “out there”—it is always and has always been inside of you.

Just for today, I recognize that I cannot change other people. I let them be who they are and I simply love who I am. I cannot learn other people's lessons for them. They must do their own work and they will do it when they are ready. I do not fix my problems. I fix my thinking and my problems fix themselves. I am safe. It is only change and everything is working out for my highest good. And so it is.