I still don’t know what I was waiting for
And my time was running wild
A million dead-end streets
Every time I thought I’d got it made
It seemed the taste was not so sweet
So I turned myself to face me
But I’ve never caught a glimpse
Of how the others must see the faker
I’m much too fast to take that test

“Changes” by David Bowie from the Album “Hunky Dory”

Many people begin to look to make changes in their lives but fail to initiate the actions required to actually make those changes.  Real change happens from the inside out.  Something that happens on the inside can become rooted and eventually surfaces on the outside.  Outside changes, most of the time, are temporary at best.  Simply said, the inside change needs to become a habit!  The thoughts and attitudes that are fed and nurtured on the inside will thrive and the poisonous thoughts and negative attitudes will die if you starve them.  A maturity has to take place internally in order to impact the external actions.  Maybe that’s the point.  It might just be time to grow up in our thought process if we want to see the changes in life that we desire.  

Taking control of your thoughts comes with wisdom and in return will lead to right living.  Everything begins with a thought.  If you copy the behavior of the world around you, there is a good chance success will elude you.  Too often we begin to see how others succeed by means of dishonesty and manipulation.  Although those methods are unfortunately  successful, they are not long lasting.  Remember how you wanted something to change each and every year and would start off with good intentions by making a “New Year’s” resolution?  It’s said that only about 8% actually keep those resolutions and make the changes they desired.

There are several steps to make changes that will will be long-lasting.  First, you need to constantly control your thoughts.  Thinking about things that are admirable and right will turn your focus to a more positive attitude.  Second, remember that we aren’t designed to be on this earth forever.  Eternity awaits us so we probably need to focus more on heavenly things through scripture and watch how our outlook here changes dramatically.  Thirdly, find someone who you can safely bounce your thoughts off of.  Someone you are willing to be open and vulnerable with so that your thoughts and ideas can be challenged and sharpened so that you become a better and more positive individual.  Finally, discover the plan and purpose for your life.  Once you do this, the vision is in sight and you will find your life beginning to finally transform into the person who is contagiously positive.   Isn’t that what you actually want?

As David Bowie wrote in the song Changes,

“A million dead-end streets
Every time I thought I’d got it made
It seemed the taste was not so sweet”

if we really want things in our life to change, we have got to change the way we think.  Give it a try!  You’ve got nothing to lose but old habits and bad thoughts and attitudes.  It’s just ch-ch-ch-ch-changes!