Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: Own Your Power

It’s not just Elders who are wisdom holders and who are grounded in integrity, courage, a profound commitment to truth, and the work of radical change, healing, and transformation. Sometimes in those who are very young we can find great inspiration, hope, courage, and wisdom. Here is a shining example. — Molly

Own your power.

For so many, it’s radical to feel comfortable in your own skin - and to know that you are more than enough, just as you are.

One of my favorite quotes is from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr: “Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”

So take up space. Speak up. Hold the door open and take others with you. Accept that you will be criticized no matter what - that is the price of fighting for change and innovation. I consider constructive criticism a blueprint for improvement and a medicine for ego.

Ultimately, the people who get down, stay focused in adversity, and do the thankless work of change are the ones who transform society. We can all be a part of that, if we so choose. We can all knock a door, register our cousin to vote, or educate ourselves on an issue we’re curious about.

We are all capable of awakening and commitment. And because of that, we can all be great.

 — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez