by Debbie Woodbury, founder WhereWeGoNow.com
Almost always, the creative dedicated minority has made the world better. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Today is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day here in the United States. It's a day to be mindful of the accomplishments of a great man, who, emulating Gandhi, brought non-violence to bear on the scourge of racial discrimination. He did not ask if one person could make the world better. Instead, he acted on his belief that "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?"
Dr. King's call to service is the reason today is the only federal holiday observed as a national day of service. Today, the MLK Day of Service, "a day on, not a day off," encourages citizens to bring Dr. King's "life and teachings into community action that helps solve social problems."
As cancer survivors and caregivers, so many of us are giving back and making real strides forward for others dealing with cancer. Cancer Warriors Jennifer Windrum of "WTF" for Lung Cancer, Murray Jones of TalkAboutHealth, and Dr. Susan Love of the Army of Women dedicate themselves every day to making the world better for cancer survivors. One of my very favorite Cancer Warriors, Lockey Maisonneuve, of MovingOn, will be joining me on Saturday, January 21st, at our STRAIGHT TALK ABOUT BREAST CANCER SURVIVORSHIP seminar. I've seen the amazing transformations her program has brought about for women struggling back from breast cancer treatments and I can't wait to introduce her to you at our seminar.
Every day I marvel at the words of other bloggers who share their worlds so others will know they aren't alone. And most significantly, are all of you, who I've met personally and through WWGN. Whether you are volunteering your time or offering a shoulder to a friend dealing with cancer, you inspire me by all you do to give back and make the world a better place.
Because of all I've learned from all of you, I'm changing the name of my Monday blog posts from Meditation Monday to Mindful Monday. Through a state of mindful, aware connection to the present moment, we put aside our fears that we are not enough and focus on what is possible right now. Knowing that we can make a real impact, even by giving back in small ways like donating blood, makes the world a better place for all of us.
Today, as we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, let us remember that each of us has the ability to make the world a better place:
Never believe that a few caring people can't change the world. For, indeed, that's all who ever have. Margaret Mead
I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do. Helen Keller
You must be the change you wish to see in the world. Mohandas Gandhi
Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does. William James
I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do. Edward Everett Hale
ABOUT: Debbie Woodbury is a cancer survivor, blogger, speaker and advocate. She created WhereWeGoNow.com, an interactive online community for cancer survivors living life beyond cancer. Join her to share and connect with other survivors!
http://www.wherewegonow.com
Twitter: DebbieWWGN
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