The quote above is one of my favorite Martin Luther King Jr. quotes. Disappointment, pain, sadness, loss, and setbacks are a part of life. Sometimes we stay in the darkness and develop somewhat of a negative outlook or a defeatist mentality. If we are not careful, it can become a way of life, we may think that nothing in our lives will go as planned, or we may only focus on the negative events of our lives.
You may have heard many suggestions to cope with disappointment, sadness, or setbacks, such as gratitude journals, or creating positive affirmations, or celebrating small wins. Those are all good suggestions. However, I would like to challenge you to look inward during disappointment and setbacks to find your star and then use your star to propel yourself into greatness. Before we go forward with that statement, let’s think of what stars symbolize.
Stars can be signs of:
- Life
- Hope
- Dreams
- Achievements
- Protection
- Guidance
- Encouragement
- Enlightenment
Stars are meaningful in many religions, cultures, and among astrologers. Many believe that dreaming of stars can signify success, goal achievement, and faith. Many of us have learned as children that we could wish on a star to have our dreams granted. Despite what you may believe about stars, you cannot deny that the optimum time to star gaze is during dark skies. So, when you have your period of darkness through disappointments or setbacks remember to look for your star, whether your star symbolizes faith, hope, encouragement, guidance, enlightenment, or protection find your star and hold on to it. Once your period of darkness ends, use your star to be the light into someone else’s darkness. We are all connected in life and your story and ability to overcome your setback can provide hope and support someone else on their journey.
Martin Luther King Day is more than a day off from work, or a forced diversity holiday. His legacy includes more than quotes or a mandatory school assignment for our youth. His legacy involved providing hope, dismantling systems of power and privilege, and serving others. Carry that legacy into this new year and as you work with others, whether you are a teacher, social service provider, executive director, entrepreneur, or homemaker carry your light always and chose kindness when interacting with others, because you never know when you are someone’s only light during their period of darkness.
Wishing you health and happiness
My Mind, My Body, My Journey™ 