From the sun-kissed palm trees of Beverly Hills to the snow-capped Rocky Mountains to the blaring horns of New York City to the windy city of Chicago … I have a dream. From the barren deserts of New Mexico to the fields of corn in Kentucky to the coffee aficionados of Seattle to the cotton fields of Virginia … I have a dream. A simple dream that I believe in with my heart and soul, just as Martin Luther King, Jr. believed in his dream.
The Dream I Dream for Both You and Me
Martin Luther King, Jr. likely saw both the simplicity and difficulty in his dream, just as I do too. This doesn’t stop me from dreaming or taking action to make it happen.
I Have a Dream … Where Mental Illness is No Longer Taboo
People no longer feel ashamed or hide their suffering from others. They know it is not their fault or their burden to carry alone. No longer the butt of jokes or laughter, mental illness instead invokes compassion and understanding. We don’t judge those who suffer and create safe, healing environments for them. People feel comfortable seeking and receiving help for this disease and learn how to triumph over it.
I Have a Dream … Where Everyone Regardless of Race, Gender, Sexual Orientation and Religion Are Truly Equals
People are no longer made to feel less than, second best or wrong because they are supposedly different. We judge people by their actions, not by their skin color, sex, faith or whom they love. We don’t fear those who are different but embrace those differences and honor our uniqueness. Where there is only ONE race celebrated and seen … the human race.
I Have a Dream … Where Opportunity Exists for Those Who Work Hard, Dream Big and Aspire to Do Good
Success is not just for those who already have wealth but everyone has a true, fair shot to succeed and improve their well-being. Regardless of your current circumstances and reality, you can do and be more. This is not a pipe dream or what those with more say to appease feelings of guilt. Opportunities exist for all and those who take advantage of them can achieve a better life for themselves and loved ones. The American Dream, as always intended, is for everyone.
I Have a Dream … Where Bullying isn’t Mistaken for Strength
Fear no longer holds us captive and turns us into ugly people who make fear-based decisions, rather than looking for answers. Everyone knows the difference between real strength, which endures, binds and heals, versus a loud mouth who seeks to divide and spread disharmony. We understand that strength and greatness comes from unity, not division, and our faith in our fellow men and women. Kindness and compassion represent strength, not weakness. We live in a world where love not only trumps hate but demolishes it.
I Have a Dream … Where Sexism No Longer Exists
Girls and women no longer have a cap or ceiling to their aspirations or dreams. Men no longer condescend or feel the need to mansplain everything to them. A woman can be sexy without being called a slut. Or confident without being called a bitch. Women can be strong, capable leaders without people questioning their “right” to lead. Women are not better than men but equal to them. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, regardless of sex, and being a women is no longer seen as a weakness.
I Have a Dream … Where America Embraces Its Magnificence.
Our diversity and individual differences are not seen as curses but blessings that we celebrate versus eradicate. Instead of casting blame and looking for scapegoats, we work together to solve our very real problems. We stand strong against hate and remain the beacon of hope and the home to dreams come true. This is my America.
Still Much Work to Be Done
A part of me weeps over the fact that if Martin Luther King, Jr still lived today that he would see how little we have come. At the same time, I also firmly believe his resolve would remain strong and we must continue to work towards his beautiful dream.
This dream shall live on until we ALL can finally say … “Free at last. Free at last. Thank God Almighty, We are free at last.”
Free at last … the dream we all dream. We’ll get there.
Tanya
I like “where bullying isn’t mistaken for strength” Gee I wonder who that could possibly be? 🙂 Good leaders aren’t afraid to show their human side. To admit mistakes, and to be vulnerable. Great post!
I can’t imagine anyone can guess who that is! 😀 I agree — good leaders don’t act above others.
Gorgeous, Tanya. I have that same dream. Time to make it a reality 🙂
Thanks, Audrey! Let’s make it a reality!
All the heart emojis. Great post. Thank you.
Thanks, Steph!
Preach it my friend.
We need people that have these dreams to keep sharing them… inspiring others to dream along with them… because this world seems so dark lately. We need to be reminded GOOD can be not only dreamt – but achieved!
The world has been so dark and divisive lately. It can be disheartening. But good still exists and can be achieved and I plan to be a part of it!
Your post gave me all the feelings 🙂 Amen, sister
Thanks, Mackenzie!
A-fucking-men!
Nothing I can say can add anything of value to this. It’s perfect.
Awwww … thanks, Jana!