the power of one

This past weekend, I attended the U.S. Jaycees Leadership Academy in Tulsa, Okla. Honestly, prior to the event, I wasn't exactly excited about attending. In fact, I was annoyed that it was going to take me away from work for two days, as well as "waste" my weekend. Fast forward to today and not only am I extremely grateful for the opportunity to attend Leadership Academy, but I would go so far as to say it was a life-changing experience.

In addition to the new friendships formed and valuable information received regarding the Jaycees organization, I took away many amazing messages from the weekend. The first of which was received by way of a speech by Junior Chamber International president Roland Kwemain. Roland spoke of the amazing potential influence each and every one possesses within ourselves. The power to make a difference. The power to change lives. The power of one. 

As a complement to his inspiring words, Roland showed a video that portrayed a number of individuals who have made an invaluable difference in our society, such as Gandhi and Mother Teresa. Honestly, the video gave me goosebumps. To think that the actions of just one person can create such a massive wave of humanitarianism in the world is truly inspirational.

Alternatively, the power of one can also result in negative actions. Roland specifically mentioned terrorists and the great deal of pain and suffering that has taken place due to the actions of those individuals. He posed this question to the audience: What if that person had had a positive influence in his life instead of a negative one?

The power of one message is especially pertinent today, a day on which we honor Martin Luther King, Jr., a prime example of the difference one individual can make in the world. What would our world look like today if MLK had not decided to take action? What if he had not believed in the power that he had to make a difference? Although we will never know the answer to these hypothetical questions, I think the majority can agree that our world is a better place because of this one individual. The power of one.

As a result of Roland's speech, as well as another speaker, Matt Booth, I spent an extensive amount of time during the weekend examining my life and the path I am on, coming to the realization that I need to make a number of changes, including an overall attitude adjustment. Although I may never be a person who creates a change as capacious as altering a nation's history, I do realize that I have the potential to influence each and every person I come in contact with on a daily basis.

As one who firmly believes that each individual is responsible for his/her own life, I understand that I cannot force others to do good. But, wouldn't it be amazing if today (and tomorrow and the next day), I did something that was a catalyst for change in someone's life? Wouldn't it be awesome if a simple hello or a smile made one person's day?

In all honesty, the weekend's events couldn't have come at a better time. Just last week, I was walking home from yet another night out and I found myself questioning my life and the path it was taking. As I walked, I thought to myself, "Is this all there is?". I had come to a point where I was frustrated with certain aspects of my life. In all fairness, I was the one choosing to spend my days and nights in such a manner that when I took a minute to truly think about the day, I was not happy.However, I am also responsible and capable of making decisions that I can be proud of -- ones that make me a better person.

As a result of this weekend, I am going to make a concerted effort to have a positive attitude every day (even on Mondays) and extend that to my treatment of others. Additionally, I am going to make better choices -- ones I will be content with when I go to sleep at night. Ironically enough, this morning on my way to work as I was perusing the radio stations for a song to get me through the commute, I heard these words:

Oh, you've gotta live every single day
Like it's the only one, what if tomorrow never comes?
Don't let it slip away, could be our only one
You know it's only just begun, every single day
Maybe our only one, what if tomorrow never comes?

Now, I'm typically not a fan of Nickleback, but these lyrics could not have been heard at a more appropriate time in my life. Message received Chad Kroeger. Beginning today, I will do my best to make each day count and live a life that I can be proud of, believing in myself and the power of one.

Colorado Jaycees Tonya Bradshaw (left), Renee Verspoor and me with 90th U.S. Jaycees President Jeff Lank.