MLK and some of his words....

I am currently reading a book about famous speeches that have changed the world (according to the author). Of course, MLK's I Have a Dream speech is in it. As many of you know, I am enamored with inspirational quotes, stories, speeches, etc....so I wanted to share a few lines from his speech and get an opinion or two from anyone as to what the words may mean to you. His words certainly appeal to me because of content, but also eloquence, style, metaphors, hyperbolies, influence and meaning.

"....judged....by the content of their character" :

Strong words. Not color, not gender....but what you have inside? Your values?

"....rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force." :

Obviously, he was not a fan of violence and the way he stated it was powerful. Can we get there with words, understanding, listening, spirit, will? Or is physicality the norm?

"....time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood.":

I can visualize what he is describing - better understanding what he is saying.

The art of communication....a master artisan. Regardless of anyone's opinion of his political stance, social views, etc., he is and always will be regarded as an excellent presenter.

What are your thoughts?

Secretariat....having Heart!

While running the other day, the topic of having heart came to mind. I thought back to the ESPN special of the top 150 athletes of all time - number 35 was the great Secretariat, the only non-human to make the list.

Obviously, this horse was awesome. What made this horse so special? Well, many will argue that it was the horse's heart that carried it to victory. Most thoroughbreds slow down after the 1st mile, but Secretariat actually sped up.

After Sect's passing, an autopsy revealed a possible reason as to why this horse was so special. The average thoroughbred's heart weighs 8.5lbs - well, Secretariat's weighed in at a whopping 22lbs! So, literally, Secretariat had more HEART than the competition!

Figuratively, I started thinking about how much heart I have, we have. It could be as simple as having the heart and will to ALWAYS run at least as far as my goal I put in the Ipod when I start my run - regardless of tiring. (as you may know....Ipod and Nike have a transmitter and receiver to help track your results!)

OR, it could be as complicated as wondering if I have the heart to make it through a tough career decision or even handling a personal relationship.

Is your heart in everything you do? Are you inspired to go to work each day? Do you believe in what you're doing, selling?

We get one chance in this life to experience some joy, happiness, love, success, etc....I think having your heart in it is paramount.

What did the Tin Man want? Heart!

If we do not have our hearts in everything we do (job, marriage, family, friends, relationships, etc.), what can we do to fix it? Change it? Improve it?

What do you think?