I've discovered the most genuine and compassionate manner in which I can effect change in my surroundings. It involves effecting change in my self first and foremost - challenging my self to compassionate and hostile-free exchanges. I choose a course that involves altering my reaction to the thoughts, feelings and expressions of others.
I choose to remove myself from the presence of negative energy, which manifests itself as: (1) fear philosophy, hostility and obscuring, belief-driven ideology; (2) inflammation and rhetoric; (3) labelling, accusing and the blame game. I choose to 'agree to disagree,' rather than try to change the opinions of other(s).
I choose a path that involves stepping outside the box. I choose challenge. I choose to push the envelope ~ my envelope. I acknowledge dynamism, and the inevitability of change. I choose to make thoughtful and determined choices as to the energy with which I surround myself (read: company I choose to keep).
I choose. it starts with me.
This means challenging my self to compassionate, encouraging, genuine and hostile-free exchanges. It also means contemplating my reaction to the thoughts, feelings and expressions of others, prior to acting upon them. 
