How appropriate is it that 2017 is The Chinese Year of the Rooster as we are definitely having a wake-up call this year. Whether you are for or against the current administration, I’m certain you’ve had a surprise or two since January 20th.

This is definitely the time for all of us to “wake up”.

Many of us have become desensitized or have our heads stuck in the sand and aren’t aware of what’s going on in our own communities. Some of us are aware and seemingly involved but have been caught sleeping on the job. Others of us only know what’s going on in the world through Facebook memes or 140 character tweets.

Either way, this is definitely the time for us to “wake up”.

Now is the time to read, listen, organize. Hold your local government officials accountable. Exercise your vote wisely. Make sure your concerns are represented from your alderman on up. Don’t get angry or discouraged, get involved.

Now is the time to share your gift with the world. Your voice, your artwork, your dance, your song, your poetry, your brilliance, your book, your ideas…your kindness. Your love.

Now is the time to show love for humanity. To strengthen your community by supporting local businesses, networking with your neighbors, and genuinely caring for one another. Building, strengthening and growing.

My youngest son learned a chant in the Youth Basketball Association (YBA) when he was four years old. “If its to be, it’s up to me.” It’s a call to personal responsibility and accountability. It’s what we need today to motivate us to wake up and take charge of our lives, our community, our future. There is no them versus us – there’s us.

We are the ones we’re waiting for. The rooster is crowing.

Wake up! Wake up! Wake up!

Love,

Robin ❤

“I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality… I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.”

Martin Luther King, Jr.