Hail to the change makers—real people like you and me. My tendency is to play small in the world. Introverted and shy by nature, I don’t want to be seen, judged or scrutinized. My strongest negative belief is, “I’m not good enough. Nobody wants to listen to what I have to say. I’ll just be quiet, lay low, not make waves and let someone else take the lead.”

As true as that statement may be, in spite of it, I continue to learn to take action in my life and in the world anyway. Through much practice and failure and ongoing self-encouragement, I’ve learned to embrace the fear and do “it” anyway, whatever “it” is.

African lions are crafty in their technique for hunting swift prey like gazelles. The younger, stronger, faster lions position themselves on the edge of the hunting field and lay silently in wait. An older, slower lion approaches the prey from the opposite side and lets out a ferocious roar. The frightened gazelle, struck by intense fear from the lion’s roar, turns and runs in the opposite direction, right into the waiting ambush of the younger hunter lions and stands no chance to survive. The best chance for the gazelles’ survival and success is to run toward the roar and face their fear head-on.

Our feature story this month provides a glimpse into the lives of individuals heeding the call to create needed change, big and small. In “Change Makers: Inspired to Act,” by Linda Seachrist, we are uplifted by realizing the powerful ripple effect that’s possible from even one person working to make our world a better place.

In addition to her examples, I am awed, motivated and humbled by the many inspired and inspiring individuals, entrepreneurs and change makers throughout South Central PA. From interacting with the attendees and presenters at our monthly Natural Network Meeting to observing my daily interactions with business owners, sole practitioners, social agencies, volunteers and community builders, I am reminded that each person has within them the capacity and power to be a positive change maker.

We are all teachers, leaders and contributors capable of making a positive difference and sending positive ripples into the world each day. Change begins here and now, with you and me, and how we think, speak and act. You can make a difference. Your actions will have an effect. If you’re hesitant or doubtful in any way, just run toward the roar, and always remember to feel good, live simply and laugh more.