So many times over the last week we heard the phrase, "we are watching history in the making." And certainly, in terms of the situation in Egypt we are. It is nothing short of inspiring to witness the peaceful transition of power that is happening in that ancient country! While the future there remains to be seen, for now, it is well worth celebrating. Common men and women have brought about real change without resorting to violence. It is history in the making!

But while I join with so many others in celebrating this turn of events, and realize its historical significance, I bristle a bit at the whole notion of "history in the making," for the reality is we are all making history every single day. The things you and I may do and say, while seemingly unimportant form a global perspective, shape the future. Our words and actions are the foundation upon which future generations will build their version of the world. We will be their history!

So, with that in mind, what can we learn from these past days in Egypt? And how can we apply those lessons to our own lives? For the truth is, if we want a world free of violence, it needs to start at home. It needs to start with each one of us foregoing the little acts of violence that fill so many of our days: cursing at fellow drivers; berating our children, our friends, our spouses and partners, walking over somebody else to get ahead at work or school. To eliminate violence in our world may indeed take more than all that, but it will certainly not take any less!

Long before the recent events in Egypt Mohandas Gandhi led a peaceful revolt in India. I've quoted his words before, but they have never seemed more appropriate than right now: "Be the change you want to see in the world." Look at the violence in your own life--in the words, the attitudes, the actions--and then make your own history!