On this MLK Day...

“Courage is an inner resolution to go forward despite obstacles; Cowardice is submissive surrender to circumstances. Courage breeds creativity; Cowardice represses fear and is mastered by it. Cowardice asks the question, is it safe? Expediency asks the question, is it politic? Vanity asks the question, is it popular? But conscience ask the question, is it right? And there comes a time when we must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but one must take it because it is right.”

The notion that some people are just natural born leaders or natural born orators may hold some truth; but as I am combing through MLK quotes to find a favorite - a futile task - I can't help but see some qualities that I think are achievable for any us. And these qualities seem to have helped shape the man so many of us admire.

1. His conviction was anchored in his faith and values.

2. He took time to think and reflect on everything, rather than following the talking heads or accepting the status quo.

3. He listened more than he spoke. His compassion seemed rooted in stories and observations of real suffering and real courage.

4. He was deliberate and intentional, in his actions and his speech.

These are all attainable for any of us! I can't possibly empathize with what MLK and so many others around the world have gone through (and are still, unfortunately, going through today!). But whereas I would have previously said that I wish I could come up with a quote so brilliant, compassionate, and thoughtful as any of his famous quotes, I believe we all have the capability to say some pretty compelling things if we practice the four concepts above. Don't wait for others to change the world; let's go out and change it ourselves!