Monday, January 20, 2020

Ongoing inspiration

Because I'm a coward when it comes to cold weather, last week found me mostly staying in. Unless I was outside clearing snow off the walk, I was inside, doing my best to stave off cabin fever.

In keeping with the decluttering plan I started earlier this month, I've been cleaning up inside too, though using more subtle tools than the shovel I used outside. The focus has been mainly my office, where I've been sifting papers, getting rid of items I shouldn't have kept as long as I have.

But every once in a while, something special turns up. A forgotten photograph of a now-gone friend, or sometimes, as with the scrap of newspaper above, a timely piece of advice. The quote on the image above feels important and true: "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."

I'm old enough to remember that terrible spring when King was assassinated (and when only two months later, Bobby Kennedy would be too). Old enough to be shocked now to learn that a man who accomplished so much for civil rights, and left such an impact on so many, was shot when he was only 39 years old.

So this is my small observance for today, Martin Luther King Day, a promise to myself. With it, I am reminding myself to keep to my beliefs and to speak out when I see one of those many 'things that matter.'

Odd how a scrap of paper, nearly forgotten, can offer such encouragement. Ah yes, the power of words.

1 comment:

Jevon said...

Please don't call Yourself a coward. You are far from that and even this Blog is a Testament to the Fact that You have always stood up for Your Beliefs and those of Many Others. Not everyone is blessed with your Gift as a Wordsmith and, as with all ideas, movements start from the actions and words of the few before many can actuate true change. Of course, Martin Luther King Jr. epitomized this, but never underestimate or diminish Yourself. I appreciate Your humility and, as with Your Leadership qualities, I see this as excellent role-model material. I am very Proud of You and all that You have accomplished. Never give up on You, never give up on Changing the World. Indeed, You are, as I write this. Always and Forever xo