"Life is not worth living without principles. It's not worth living without a backbone. If you don't have a backbone, you slither. You don't walk upright."
Excerpt from the book Supreme Discomfort: The Divided Soul of Clarence Thomas by K. Merida and M.A. Fletcher
I can recall when I was a child always adjusting my posture if my grandmother was around. She was very quick to pop me upside the head and demand that I sit up straight and pull my shoulders back. She would say that I looked silly with my back hunched and my shoulders slouched and that people wouldn't respect me presenting myself that way. When I reached my 30's, I assumed that I had out grown this type of strong hand lesson but as it turns out this was not the case. During my wedding reception, arguably one of the most grown up events of my life, my 5 foot 4 inch grandmother made her way to the front of the room, graciously slipped past the wedding party and 'pop' I was being told to sit up straight. Figures. What my mom has been teaching me for over 30 years has finally started to make sense. Good posture is about physical health and principle. I let the excitement of my wedding day cause me to forget that it was also the day that my principle was on display. I spent December 31st giving some thought to a New Years resolution. This year I'm strengthening my backbone. I will tighten up on my principles while minding my posture. Sometimes the most meaningful of lessons come from the most unlikely of sources. Clarence Thomas hit me right between the eyes with his quote about leadership.
My challenge to you this week is to mind your posture. Everything about the way you sit, stand, walk, and present yourself is a reflection of principle. Make a mindful effort to make your presentations to the public powerful. As leaders, we are always on display. I can't loan you my grandmother to sneak behind you for daily reminders but we can hold one another accountable. Make a declaration through your principles that your backbone is strong and you have no intentions of slithering. While those around you are still in the clouds on their New Years resolutions, make your statement early about what we can expect from you for the rest of the year.
Alonzo Kelly
President
Milwaukee Urban League Young Professionals
