Group of People Enjoying Music Concert

Changing things for the better is often best achieved in taking simple steps. A neglected small park near my home has been made very beautiful by children aged between seven and eleven in the neighbourhood. The children wanted to play in the park, but it was a mess.

So they got together, agreed to tidy it up, and then got working, and even got some parents supporting them. They got the local council to provide a skip, and repair the railings.

Over about a year, the children, with some assistance from parents, removed a skip load of rubbish and overgrowth from the park. Then they planted shrubs and flowers. Gradually, the park was transformed.


The children organised an opening ceremony with a picnic. All neighbours were invited.

The park is now the pride and joy of the local community, and has won a number of awards. In a few days, I’m sure the thousand daffodils planted in the park will be a delight to behold again.

These simple actions of children have also brought about a change of outlook in the local community.

For example, there is regular, organised, litter picking by neighbours.

Brown Picnic Blanket on Green Grass
help us all create positive change

Simple steps, changing things for the better.

Landscape Photography of Field Covered With Yellow Flowers

Someone I know has come through quite abusive treatment from people close to her. She decided to undertake therapy, not wanting to repeat behaviour she was subjected to. Therapy is helping her to see different perspectives and to manage life better now.  

We are all like gardens, often neglected, disregarded, or treated badly, and often just because we are different.

personal growth can begin with small actions

We all want to be treated with dignity, courtesy and respect.

As a follower of Jesus Christ, I find wisdom in his teaching as I look for pathways to improvement in different aspects of personal and public life. The one formula I take from his teaching is what is often called the golden rule:

Treat others as you want to be treated.

It is a rule observed by all faiths, and by those who profess no particular religious faith. By the golden rule we can all play our part in changing things for the better for everyone.

Anonymous social justice warriors with placards during manifestation on street

Inderjit Bhogal, 1 February 2022

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Pause For Thought is featured on BBC Radio 2. It is hosted on the OJ Borg programme at 2.30am (GMT). Inderjit contributes regular short reflections on various topics, often related to spirituality, philosophy and personal experiences. Inderjit provides a moment of reflection and contemplation offering you a brief pause. Here, Inderjit shares his insights and wisdom, to inspire you, encourage you, or provide a moment of reflection before you start the day.

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