My younger self had to learn this the hard way. I thought I could change people and definitely became frustrated not seeing the results I wanted. I learned over time that I cannot change anybody else, I can only change myself.

Your advice to be a role model and to look inward before outward is really crucial.

Before you try to change anybody, analyze yourself first.

As a step father, I have started doing this lately and have found that many of the things that I want to criticize or change in somebody else ... I am guilty of doing those things. It's really convicting. I have to learn to change myself first and make sure that I am being an example, a role model, of the things that I would like others to exemplify. Until that happens, I should keep my mouth shut :)

Thank you for your wise words!