YOUR IMPACT

When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world.

When I found I could not change the world, I tried to change my nation.
When I found I could not change the nation, I tried to change my town.
When I found I could not change the town, I tried to change my family.
Now, as an old man, I realize the only thing I can change is myself.
And suddenly I realize that if long ago I had changed myself, I could have made an impact on my family.
My family and I could have made an impact on our town.
Their impact could have changed the nation.
and I could indeed have changed the world.

(UNKNOWN MONK 1100AD)