Be the Difference | #CauseTheEffect

Martin Luther King, Jr. Monday, is a holiday to celebrate and serve. The timing of Dr. Martin Luther King’s birth is magical as it is a reminder and a call to action early each and every New Year.  An early checkpoint and time to re-set and re-think.  Over his shortened years King had so many wise words.  He was a true #CausetheEffect guide.  So many of his quotes are worthy of a repeat, some of my favorites will be included here.  I start with a core query, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?'”

Dr. King centered others before himself.  How do we selflessly do the same each and every day for our colleagues, friends, and family?  How can we also do this for the strangers in our path?  It might be a simple smile, (even though a mask), a cheerful greeting, holding a door, leaving a note or treat for the Mail Carrier, the UPS or Fed Ex delivery agents, or runners.  I learned this fall of my new Mail Carrier’s love of all things' coconut.  I hardly knew there were so many items in this flavor. I find new treats everywhere.  We can pay-it-forward in a coffee, share an unexpected gift card, or opt to be truly present and intentionally ask someone how they are doing or about an event in their lives.   Any or all of these gestures will add a smile and renewed belief in the generosity of mankind.  This is how we #CauseTheEffect and become the difference.  It might seem little, but I can promise it will make someone’s day.

These actions are small; however, the impact is grand. Not only will it add a smile, I expect it will encourage more generosity. Again, in the wise words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “The time is always right to do what is right.” Given the status of our world post-March of 2020, we need to be intentional and take more action to do the right things.  Be the difference.

One of my very favorite reminders; “The quality, not the longevity, of one’s life, is what is important.” Again, credited to Dr. King before he lost his life fighting for the cause. How can you increase your quality through others today, tomorrow, and the next day?  Be the difference in 2022 through intentional actions, words, and deeds. Thank you for the re-set reminder each January, Dr. King.