As a child a family member continually badgered me to make change in a few areas of my life. The family member had good intentions, but didn't realize that words alone don't translate to change and badgering can actually exasperate a problem rather than solve it.
I saw this happen at schools too when parents and/or teachers would continually instruct a child via words to make change only to find that the child didn't make that change.
We can all fall into the trap of willing change via words alone without purposeful action. Words alone rarely work when it comes to life-enriching, positive change and action.
So, what can we do instead? We must will change via purposeful action and this action requires commitment as well as change in habits, routines, and other actions.
For example, at school, children used to bring in cupcakes for their birthday. They would share those cupcakes with clasmates and others. Many children had tummy aches after the share. Then Michelle Obama forwarded healthy eating incentives and protocols. Massachusetts outlawed the share of unhealthy foods in schools. We found healthier ways to acknowledge children's birthdays, and my observation noted healthier children and less tummy aches. Also, usually the children with the most weight challenges were the ones to eat one or more cupcakes, so this also helped those children meet weight goals instead. This was positive action.
Another example is that one of my sons had a very difficult time with organization. Rather than badger him daily about that, we took constructive action. We simplified his surroundings making it easier not to lose things and to find what he needed when he needed it. This worked.
Positive change doesn't happen with words alone. Instead positive change occurs with constructive actions. This works with issues great and small. For example, it took constructive action to help my son with his organization issues, and it will take constructive action, not words alone, to work against the troubling racial inequity that exists in our country.
What changes do you will for yourself and others? What first steps will you take to help make these changes with constructive action rather than words alone? True love, care, and support is demonstrated via purposeful action. This is what elevates good living for all.