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200 words, abuse of power, afraid, authority, bureaucracy, community, courage, Diana Schwenk, Diana's Enormous Book of Quotes, dream, greed, hope, hopeless, making a difference, optimist, overwhelmed, passion, Purpose, unity
“Optimism is the greatest form of rebellion.” Carmen Medina
We live in a world where our options are often dictated to us by those in authority. A few solutions are presented and we vote for the least offensive one.
To operate outside this context seems too overwhelming a task.
Yet those self-appointed with the authority to tackle the big issues in our world are merely looking after their own interests, so why shouldn’t I look after my own?
Because realistically, what difference can I make standing alone against a wall of bureaucracy? A well-oiled machine that moves steadily on, bulldozing everything in its path?
Martin Luther King gave an ‘I have a dream’ speech, not an ‘I have a plan with three options you can choose from’ speech. He was hopeful for a day when all men and women would be equal. He was optimistic about humanity doing the right thing. It was his optimism that united a generation.
One could even say it was the greatest form of rebellion against the accepted norms of his day.
~ DIANA’S ENORMOUS BOOK OF QUOTES ~
Grant me the courage to be optimistic and unite a generation to do the right thing
talktodiana 
What a provocative post! I loved it! ❤
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I’m so glad you liked it Rachel! ❤
Diana xo
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Hi Diana,
What I hear in this post is both optimism and fatalism. Why is that I wonder?
It remains true that people are self serving and self seeking. But how can larger visions and objectives be realised by not engaging? I believe each one of us hod the ability to stand for something which is bigger than our own selves. As we do this, we attract others to come and align with that vision.
With blessings.
Shakti
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Because I’m not perfect. Because I have felt overwhelmed at times, as others do at times. Because even though I’ve felt overwhelmed, I have chosen to press optimistically forward, as others do as well. It takes courage sometimes to do so.
I’ve been learning it’s ok to be vulnerable. It helps others feel they are not alone and gives them permission to be vulnerable too. That is why. ❤
Diana xo
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That’s a great self appraisal and U applaud you for that!
All power to you.
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Wonderful post Diana! I’ll join in, as will all your loyal readers, and we’ll help unite with optimism. May the dream take flight indeed. Thanks for this very encouraging post. Cheers, Gina
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Thanks so much for your encouraging response Gina!
Diana xo
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I love this thought that MLK had a “I have a dream’ speech, not an ‘I have a plan with three options you can choose from’ speech” but also Val being an “optimistic visionary with a practical step by step approach”. I think if you read history, the latter is what MLK, Ghandi and Mandela all were really. Their speeches on hope, fairness and forgiveness drove the masses, but they also had that planned tucked away..
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That may be Elizabeth! I wonder if they were immediate (I suspect so)… I can’t help thinking that when we are open to possibilities and not restricted by rigid options far into the future, that’s when a dream takes flight and others take up the dream and run with it.
I can relate to Val too. I definitely have plans for the next 12 months!
Diana xo
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Well here is the crunch. Martin Luther King grappled with the dream (or the hope) and anger for quite some time before he took action, which was not really until after Rosa Parks took her stand on the bus (1955). After that he saw it as his calling to be the spokesperson for his people. After that he made his plan of fighting for fairness yet at the same time showing mercy and behaving in a non-violent way. That took much planning and consideration and he based it on the work of Ghandi. AFTER quite a few years of that came his speech ‘I have a dream’ (1963). And of course Nelson Mandela had twenty seven years to think up his dreams and plans for a better Africa.
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Their commitment and dedication is inspiring. No doubt they worked hard to make their vision come true. Oh that I would feel half as compelled to act on my dream with just a portion of such grace, dignity and persistence. Thank you for filling in the blanks Elizabeth. ❤
Diana xo
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Ah yes, the persistence! We forget about that word sometimes. By the way, even though it was eight years before his speech, MLK did have a dream (or actually an awakening) that compelled him to action. An epiphany of sorts. In contrast for Nelson Mandela it was a gradual realization.
As you may now realise, I am an avid biography reader 🙂
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I like biographies too. I haven’t read one in a really long time though!
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Granted, I’m a confirmed curmudgeon, but — because it so often comes in the “blind” or “empty-headed” forms — I’m not as big a fan of Optimism as I am of Hope and Faith. I am a fan, but I’m also a little wary of it…
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understandable Smitty!
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I would hereby like to join the confirmed curmudgeon populace as my preference. That or realist.
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Duly noted! 🙂 It takes all kinds to make the world go round. If we were all the same then a whole bunch of us wouldn’t be necessary. 😉
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Love this post!! Love Val’s reference to herself as “an optimistic visionary with a practical step by step approach” as well. I wrote about something along these lines a few week’s back when someone exhorted me to “trust the universe” and I came up with the same “why not?” answer!! As a closing thought, would we ever get on an airplane if we thought the pilot didn’t care about how the flight turned out?
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Good question Ian! Please, if you wouldn’t mind, could you include a link to the post you referred to in the comment section here?
Thanks!
Diana
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Optimism is where it’s at. There’s something so uplifting and inspiring about being near others who hold a genuinely optimistic pov. It’s so interesting to think of optimism as a form of rebellion, but this is very true. I love this though – great food for optimistic thought! 😀
~Andrea<3
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Better than having a fit when everyone else can’t see it right? A cool head prevails. 🙂
Diana xo
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I try to be an optimist but often I think I fail, but I keep on trying and I think that counts for something
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It sure does count and I for what it’s worth, I think you’re an optimist!
Diana xo
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You got me thinking Diana!. I see myself as an optimistic visionary with a practical step by step approach. We have to have a vision and hope for ourselves and society and do what we can along with others to make the change happen. Val x
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Yes we do! Sometimes just being optimistic or hopeful in the midst of despairing people encourages them to be hopeful for the future as well.
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I think someone who dares live their dream has great courage too
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me too. 🙂
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Diana, this is so true. We must remain optimistic. We can make a difference if we see the world as it should be not as it is. Even though the families are fighting over Dr. King’s things the message is not lost. Equality in pay for all and access to healthcare.
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Yes! Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts my good doctor. 🙂
Diana xo
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Good timing for me – you are a gem Diana!
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Glad to hear it Julie! My hopeful thoughts and prayers are with you and Ming! ❤
Diana xo
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I am not an optimist. I think of myself as a realist, a pragmatist. I read your reference to Martin Luther King Jr and immediately thought of his children, currently fighting in court over the right to sell his bible and Nobel Peace Prize. Sad, but it does nothing to take away from the tremendous good he did. I’m ready for another MLK, Jr. 🙂
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It takes all kinds in this world, don’t you think? I love the differences in people. 🙂
Diana xo
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Yes, and I agree 🙂
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What is it with great leaders and their offspring?!
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I don’t know. But most parents and kids assume the kids will have better lives and do even more than the parents were able to accomplish. How do you top a Nelson Mandella or Ghandi? Lots of pressure to perform there!
Diana
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You usually can’t. I cannot think of one example. Not one.
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Honestly, I think if someone puts so much of themselves into their passion and beliefs, there probably isn’t a whole lot left over for parenting, leaving room for resentment.
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Kinda knew this as I was writing the question. I recently read about Nelson Mandela’s children and how they felt that every other child he took a picture with with a beaming smile got more attention (and smiles) than they ever did.
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I don’t believe it takes away from any of his great and important work, but there is an extra depth of heartbreak to imagine being one of his children.
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Agreed.
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