As I start 3 days of learning, speaking, and singing at the 2014 CAPS (Canadian Association of Professional Speakers) Convention, I am awaking this morning with a thought around words.
We grew up with the adage, “sticks and stones”, but language does matter indeed. Sometimes it can hurt, and sometimes we must reclaim words. I choose to reclaim the word soldier. It is who I am. It has real meaning for me. A soldier gets up each day, suits up and goes out to do their work. They persevere, humbly so… with an approach to the work that is sacred. The way is the work and the work is that way. That was the way of my father, and it is my chosen path as well.
This weekend, I have work to do. It is joyous work, but it is work. The soldier that is Barry Lewis Green hopes to engage other soldiers who reclaim the title and the language, moving away from the conception of violence and towards a fierce, fundamental approach to going forward.
I believe in the work, and I believe that real and hard earned lessons and success ultimately rely on getting up each day and being the soldier, the one who fights for and not against; the one who works and battles through both trial and triumph knowing both are temporary and that true joy is found in getting up and moving forward, relentless and undaunted… with both zeal and ardor.
So, this soldier will fight for a more diverse, united and prospering world at work and community. This soldier will fight for youth and the capacity they have to rightfully and powerfully build a better world. I will fight for justice and peace; and it will be a good fight. It is the good fight.
Today, and these next three days, I fight for learning. I fight for bringing it, full on. I fight for unleashing. So soldier, for what will you fight? Go do that, and I hope to meet you along the way.
Peace, passion and prosperity.
Barry Lewis Green, aka The Unity Guy™