"الأشياء لا تتغير نحن نتغير"

Change is one of those inevitable parts of life we all experience. But here's the kicker—it's not the world around us that's constantly shifting; it's us. The core idea here is pretty simple: our perceptions, attitudes, and internal growth are what actually bring about change in our lives, not the external environment.

Let’s dig into the context a bit. This idea was famously expressed by the American philosopher Henry David Thoreau. He lived in the 19th century and was all about simplicity and living in harmony with nature. Thoreau spent a couple of years living in a cabin by Walden Pond to really focus on what’s essential in life. He believed that by simplifying our lives and reflecting on our inner selves, we can see the world in a new light.

Imagine you're working in a job that you used to love. But lately, it feels monotonous. The job hasn’t changed—the tasks and the environment are pretty much the same as when you started. But you’ve grown. You’ve developed new skills, new interests, and maybe even a new outlook on life. It’s like wearing glasses: the lenses through which you view the world have changed, even if the world itself hasn't.

So how can you apply this wisdom? Start by reflecting on your own growth. Maybe keep a journal. Write down how you feel about various aspects of your life and revisit those pages every few months. You’ll notice patterns and changes in your thoughts and feelings, which can provide a lot of insight. By doing this, you’re essentially charting your own growth and seeing how it affects your perception of the world.

Now let me tell you a story to illustrate this idea. Picture a woman named Lisa. She’s been living in the same city for years, working the same job, hanging out with the same group of friends. One day, Lisa starts feeling discontented and believes that a change of scenery will fix everything. So, she packs up her life and moves to a new city. At first, it’s exciting; everything is fresh and new. But after a few months, the same feelings of discontent start creeping back in.

Lisa realizes it wasn’t the city that needed changing—it was her. She starts focusing on her personal development. She takes up new hobbies, surrounds herself with positive people, and starts a mindfulness practice. Over time, she begins to see her old city and old job in a new light, not because they changed, but because she did.

If you’re feeling stuck or like your life needs a major overhaul, think about whether it’s the external circumstances that really need to change or if it’s something within you. Focus on personal growth—learn new skills, engage in self-reflection, and try new experiences. As you change, your perspective will shift and the world around you might seem different, more vibrant, and full of opportunities that were there all along, hidden in plain sight.

So next time you catch yourself thinking, "I need a change," ask yourself what kind of change you truly need. Maybe, just maybe, it’s not the world that needs to shift, but you.