Often when we talk about becoming the best version of oneself, we imagine an event that is exhibitive. We may even have an image of ourselves looking different, changing places, and possessions. 

As much that may seem to be too much or too hard, it is actually the easiest part. The hard part is the change that needs to happen within.

As the old adage goes, of course, it is easier said than done. With the new year still at dawn, we often get revved up with feelings of hope and inspiration that this year will definitely be “our year”. 

This we say even after saying it for the last thirty-five years, with nothing tangible in sight just yet. In this case, when we are talking about something tangible in sight, reference is made to what is in the unseen world. It speaks to the change that is real, felt, and experienced every waking minute of our lives.

There may be a good reason, though, why it may be easier to achieve change in the physical world than in the inner one. This is because, besides simply possessing or owning, it is also easier to pretend and mislead.

It may also be easier to change due to the pressure of the trap we have set for ourselves.  

When we publicly announce our intentions to the world, we are also more likely to do the impossible to live up to them. 

We often do so to keep abreast with the approval in the court of public opinion. 

Surprisingly, or maybe even unfortunately, we are more likely to give up on the change within. 

It is easier to give up on real and fundamental change that eventually transforms our life experience into the best one, or maybe even heaven on earth. However, it is easier to give up or relapse into our old selves because, unlike in the sphere of public opinion, we only have ourselves to account to.

Unlike in the physical world, where the results are subject to the judgement and societal benchmarks, the perception of others about our inner world only depends on the behavior and the words we choose to express. We may do this by painting a perfect picture to the world while we are slowly dying inside. 

However, just as nothing in this world can be hidden forever, it is only a matter of time until the soul can no longer remain in a perpetual state of pretense. 

If it is not addiction of some sort that will eventually do the bidding, the internal turmoil may do the billing for the cost of depression and anxiety.

Therefore, while the year is still young, there is no better time to make a personal commitment to the change in our internal world. 

It is the time to commit to change that will last, for if we want to change our world, we must change ourselves first. 

This is simply because even our outer world and the experience of it is nothing more than a reflection of the world within.

*Uncommon Sense is published in the New Era with contributions from Karlos Naimwhaka. YouTube channel: Karlos Lokos.

– karlsimbumusic@gmail.com