Inspired by the humanitarian efforts of Muhammad Ali.

Recent events in the past weeks of our country have allowed all of us to take a look around and ask what is going on?  Emotions have been high as anger, turmoil, and frustration seem to be on the forefront of many actions that we have seen on full display.  As a result, many have been taking a look in the mirror to question how could this happen, why did this happen, and what can I do to make sure this never happens again?  One concept that I have struggled with in my growing curiosity of the world, is that there is not always one specific solution to a problem.  However, I have learned and continue to grow in the confidence that in certain situations there are no wrong answers, and any solution presented can aid us towards improvement.

In June the world mourned as we honored Muhammed Ali one of the most iconic athletes and humanitarians we have ever seen.  Growing up as a child I always knew who Ali was, and I knew of his ascent to the becoming a three time heavyweight boxing champion.  I can remember imitating his phrases “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” as I would dance around my bedroom sparing with the air and sometimes get hit back when my feet lost the timing of the float and the ground stung my hands and chest as they braced my fall.  Despite my two left feet, I got back up and never stayed down for the count.

As Ali’s status grew it opened him up to many platforms.  His unmatched charisma and charm became the thing that people around the world gravitated to, and one of his little discussed accomplishments was that he was a public speaker, and in some circles known as “Professor Ali”.  From being offered a professorship to teach philosophy and poetry at Oxford, to providing the keynote address at Harvard during the 1975 commencement ceremony, Ali knew no stage to big for him to be overshadowed.  During the commencement speech Ali introduced what is know to be the shortest poem ever written which was simply titled in its verse “me, we”.  As a post script to this poem Ali went on to speak about how he has an entitlement to be responsible for the world that we live in, and that we all collectively share the same calling to do something to advance  progress in our world.  This struck a cord with me, and has inspired me to write the second shortest poem which is also titled in its verse “you, me, we”.  I mean really could I have outdone Ali?  No, he is the greatest, however I can match his bravado as “I am the greatest” as well.  (repeat this statement and let it build your confidence in your true power as a human spirit)

You, Me, We

It will take all of our efforts if we want to improve the world, as there are over 7 billion people to affect.  If this number sounds staggering then lets just reduce it to the 320 million individuals who live in the United States of America, as we must take personal accountability for the nation that we call home.  So what can be done, and who should do it?Your reality is and always will be a reflection you.

YOU

Can do whatever you chose, just do something.  We need your efforts more now than ever.  Instead of seeing an outcome and criticizing the result, become an active variable in the equation and directly control the solution.  1+1=You.  You are my brother and my sister. (period, fin, done, end of any other logic that could separate)

ME

I (insert your name) can do whatever I chose, and I am literally doing that right now.  Whether you say nothing, or say everything, whether you do nothing, or do everything you are representing yourself how you will be received.  Are you an active participant in your circumstance, or the bystander to the agenda of others?  Let your light shine so that you can cast shadows of your existence.

WE

Can do whatever we chose, as long as we work together and not against each other.  United we stand, divided we fall…One nation under God indivisible…One Nation under a grove getting down just for the funk or if!  We are all the offspring of mother nature and father time.  We are the dreamers, we are the creators, we are the change we want to see, as we are the world!

“And deep in my heart, the answer it was in me. And I made up my mind, to define my own destiny” – Lauren Hill

make the rest of your life, the best of your life!