On the third Monday in January, Dr. Martin Luther King Day is celebrated across the nation. Many people are given a day off from work to spend time with loved ones and remember the great leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. However, we will always make sure to make it “a day-on instead of a day-off”; a day of purpose, progression and possibilities. There are some wonderful ways to remember this great man and to help keep his dream alive. Besides parades and large-scale events, Dr. King was all about each person doing his or her small part to promote peace and justice. Here are 5 simple ways we can continue to live in Dr. Martin Luther King’s Legacy.
1.) Take the road less traveled if it’s the right thing to do.
Oftentimes, people like to do what is comfortable or what is popular. It seems to be human nature to go on the same path where your buddies and friends seems to be going. If this path is something that you feel is not the right place to be or thing to do, it’s ok to steer off in your own direction. That is how leaders are created. When we learn to do what is right instead of what is popular, we will reach a new level of possibilities and live the life that Dr. King fought for.
2.) Follow your dream(s) and never quit
One of Dr. Martin Luther King’s most famous speeches “I Have a Dream”, teaches us to live in a world of peace and unity. However, we can all follow in his footsteps by following a positive pursuit of our own dreams. If it is something that sheds light on an important matter or is something that you are truly passionate about, make sure to reach for your goals and dreams. Turning your dream into a reality supports Dr. King’s stance on having a dream and going after it relentlessly.
3.) Have a heart of gratefulness and thankfulness
Everyday we wake up without expectation, other than realizing we’ve been given another day, the gift of life. This thought process is living a life of gratefulness. Dr. King showed gratefulness in his steps towards reaching social justice and equality, along with the large movement he took part in for civil rights. He always prayed for things to get better, and acted on it, through necessary steps. But he always showed thankfulness. Having a spirit of gratefulness and thankfulness everyday is another we can live more like King and celebrate him on this national holiday. It’s also a wonderful way to improve our own lives and mindfulness.
4.) Don’t allow the history of hate and segregation to repeat itself
There is a saying that history often repeats itself. However, this is a part of history that is best left in the past. We can learn from our past to make our present and future better, rather than having past negative outcomes repeat itself. Dr. King fought to end segregation, hate and animosity. The way we live our lives as individuals will determine if we make the world a better one to come. Some parts of history need to stay in the past, and hatred and bigotry are a few of those parts we shouldn’t bring to the forefront of time. Living, learning and growing from history is essential for a better tomorrow.
5.) Stand for something positive and strong that you believe in
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. always stood for what he believed in. If we learn to stand for something positive, it gives us a foundation to build greatness upon. We must realize that it is easy to stand for something, but it is difficult to stand for something that is positive and right, if it’s not popular. And we must remember that a better tomorrow depends on what we do today. It’s all about taking a leap of faith and putting your heart and soul into something you truly believe in.