The Power of One

Big changes begin with the one who isn't afraid to take the first step.

Be the one.

It's so easy a child can do it.

I was six when my mother took me to a sidewalk cafe with a friend. Inside the crowded restaurant a band was playing. I wanted to dance, but as I didn't have the nerve to go on the big empty dance floor by myself I tugged on my mother's sleeve, hoping she would come with me. "What is it?" she asked. "Mommie, I want to dance," I said shyly. "Well go ahead and dance."  Faced with a moment of decision, to dance or not to dance, I stood paralyzed with fear, yet the music was unrelenting, calling me like a muse, "Come little girl, DANCE!"

So I did. Once I stood in the center of the empty dance floor I knew I wasn't alone. The music was my partner. I felt a sense of fearless abandon and danced. A young man leading his date to the floor, said loudly for everyone to hear, "IF SHE'S NOT AFRAID, I'M NOT AFRAID!" All at once, the crowd joined in and packed the dance floor.

Change doesn't begin with a crowd. It only takes one with the courage to act alone for the crowd to follow. Rosa Parks was one, Carmella Frazier was one, Greta Thurnberg was one. They inspired millions to follow, and in my case, dozens to just get up and dance.

Never Underestimate the Power of One to Change the World.

Be the one.