Yesterday was Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the US, a national holiday. There were so many comments, news stories, general talk and YouTube posts of his great speech, “I Have A Dream.” I love that after so many years, he is not forgotten.

So what do we do today?

I’m like this about a lot of things including the Christmas holidays. There so much love and giving during that time but what happens after the last gift has been given and the last party has been attended? The same applies to Martin Luther King Day.

His work was priceless for so many people not just African-Americans. He did what he did because he felt is was the right thing to do. He didn’t start the journey to become famous. His fame is only a by-product of his dedication and passion to a cause.

So what do we do today?

I ask the question because sometimes, I feel we are short-changed. We walk the walk and talk the talk one day, on that day of remembrance. But what happens the next day?

Since August 28, 1963, the day Martin Luther King Jr. gave his memorable “I Have A Dream” speech, we have come a long way. The struggle he and so many others experienced is nothing I can even remotely fathom. I’ve benefited because of their struggle. I’m fortunate to have had opportunities many people who marched and sat at lunch counters never thought, only hoped, would come.

So what do we do today?

People are still fighting for equality and freedom, in many cases. It’s not over.

So what do we do today?

I ask that you listen. Don’t put your head in the sand or turn away from the issues at hand. Hear what others have to say.Take steps toward compassion. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Confucius

Choose today to do something that will help someone else. It could be a smile, extra money in the parking meter, a hug to someone who needs it, a quick email or note that says you are thinking of them.

In doing that, the message and the man aren’t celebrated just one day but you become that shining light and example of his message throughout the year.