"Power is the ability to achieve purpose, Power is the ability to effect change .." 

~Martin Luther King

This quote stood out for me as I read TIME magazine's cover article on Martin Luther King. This week in the U.S. we honor King's birthday. I took some time on his celebrated birthday to reflect on this powerful man and others who are creating change and who are so full of purpose and power.

In a previous edition of TIME, the covered featured some other powerful people - the "TIME People of the Year - Bono, and Melinda and Bill Gates. I was especially interested in the article about Bono (aren't we all?). It was fascinating to read about this hugely successful, hip, cultural icon and how he uses his fianancial, social, and "hipness" power for good. That was what was striking me the most - he was using his "power for good" - creating awarenss and real action for conquering world poverty, debt and aids.

He knows how "cool" it is to be around him and his well known friends. To picture him walking in the halls of the White House in his trademark glasses and clothing makes me laugh. I am impressed at how much studying he has done to educate himself on global issues so that he can also be seen as someone understands the systems, the global issues and the governmental issues (however self made all those are!). What really is fascinating is to hear how he "uses" his power for good to get together unlikely people to have "conversations that matter".

It makes me wonder....how do we use our "power" in our everyday lives? We may not all be rock superstars but we all have positions that come with power...parents, teachers, employers, business owners, a volunteer, little league coaches & business coaches.  How about as a spouse, a child, how about a waiter - talk about power! A waiter has the power to make your dinner a disaster or a wonderfully delightful experience.   

All of these roles in our life come with power - spoken or unspoken - whether you are being a victim or a leader - there's power. 

How are you weilding your power?

Where can you use your "power for good"?

Joyfully stepping into owner my "power for good",

Laura