Be the Change You Wish to See: A Mural. A Message. A Movement.
- Greenbrier Chamber of Commerce
- May 2
- 4 min read
In a world constantly grappling with injustice, division, and uncertainty, the idea of creating positive change can feel overwhelming. It’s easy to point fingers, criticize others, or wait for leaders to fix what’s broken. It is easy to drown in a sea of despair and think, “Why me?,” “Why did they do that?,” or “Why did that happen?”
But, real change starts when individuals take responsibility for their own actions. Whether it’s choosing kindness over cruelty, having positive conversations directly with individuals instead of gossiping, standing up for fairness, stepping up and stopping generational trauma, rising to the occasion, or living more sustainably, the choices we make in our daily lives ripple outward.
History and wisdom repeatedly remind us that transformation doesn't begin with systems or policies—it begins with people. As Gandhi famously said, "Be the change you wish to see in the world." This timeless message underscores a profound truth: if we want to see progress, we must embody it ourselves.
What have you done today to make yourself, family, issue, situation, or the community better?
Every small act—listening to someone with empathy, volunteering time for a cause, getting involved with your local government or civic groups, treating others with respect—sets an example. It demonstrates what’s possible and inspires others to do the same. Social change is not the result of a few grand gestures, but of countless small, consistent ones made by ordinary people.
You don’t need a title, platform, or followers to lead. Leading by example—by living with integrity, compassion, and courage—is often the most powerful form of leadership. When others see you walking your talk, they’re more likely to follow suit.
Imagine a community where everyone waited for someone else to make the first move. Now imagine one where each person decided to lead by example. The difference is night and day.
To promote this very message, using Walmart public art grant funds, the Greenbrier Area Arts Council and the Greenbrier Chamber of Commerce partnered and invested in this colorful, beautiful and inspiring mural located in the middle of town at Panther Station on the corner of Hwy 65 and Hwy 25. When deciding what to paint on the mural, this message seemed like a no-brainer, “Kindness costs nothing but it sure is worth a lot. And if you are kind, people notice, and maybe they will be kinder too. It's an incremental change but definitely one in the positive direction. For us, at the Greenbrier Area Arts Council, our mission is to serve and unite our community by cultivating creativity through connection, and celebration of the arts. Kindness and being the change for good, goes hand in hand with that mission” shares board member, Lynita Ware.
“Visual, daily affirmations serve as a reinforcement of positive messages in powerful ways. We want people to rewire their way of thinking in our community, and remember that they can live out this message. We really are all about stepping up and leading by example and want to encourage others to rise up as well. What better way to do that, then partner with our friends at GAAC and spread this movement” shares Greenbrier Chamber of Commerce President, Ashton Pruitt.
Painted by local artist Nathan Terry, the artwork serves as a daily reminder to residents and visitors alike that positive transformation starts from within. The mural is not only a stunning piece of public art but a statement of shared values—hope, action, and responsibility.
Nathan, who graduated from Greenbrier High School in 2003, now works as a professional residential and commercial painter. He lives in Conway with his family. Nathan believes that real change starts from within, and this year he’s proud to celebrate six years of sobriety. He shares, “Thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me this chance to make a difference in my hometown. It reminds me that change is always happening, and it’s up to us to be part of it. I’m truly grateful for your trust and for being included in something bigger than myself.” Nathan, has been professionally painting for over 20 years and not only enjoys it, but uses it as a tool for creative expression.
So ask yourself: What kind of world do you want to live in? More importantly, what kind of person do you need to be to help create that world?
Being the change doesn’t mean being perfect. It means being intentional. It means refusing to let cynicism or fear silence your efforts. And it means remembering that even the smallest acts of goodness can create waves of transformation. “Be the Change."
For more information about the Greenbrier Area Arts Council, their mission or to donate to future projects like these go to: greenbrierarts.org
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