Happy Monday!

I hope you enjoyed your weekend! Some of us were able to take advantage of a long break and enjoy an extra day off. Whether you had the chance to get out of town or enjoy some quiet time at home, getting the right brand of rest is always beneficial.

Today is President’s Day in the U.S.A. That means we reflect on the accomplishments of our presidents throughout the years and honor their legacies. I had fun reviewing various quotes credited to our presidents and was drawn to one from President Ronald Reagan, in particular. Here’s what he said:

His words are so unpretentious and yet so on-point. In the current days of conflict and confusion, President Reagan’s words feel calming when I read them. His understanding of what’s essential in life clearly shows the significance of recognizing and modeling our priorities.

Granted, some may say life was more manageable and less stressful back in the day, but I believe we can still simplify how we engage with others, reflect on our challenges, and offer the abundance we talked about last week. Even when the evidence is disarming and disheartening, we can choose how we respond and reflect our feelings to others.

For example, I learned of adversity from several people I care about this week. It seemed overwhelming to me that so many were suffering so greatly. I spent a few hours ruminating over how I could be of service and realized that the best tack I could take was speaking kindly, listening well, and being encouraging while being present and realistic. These are essentials from which we can build trust, offer safety, and be supportive without being directive, impatient, or judgmental.

So, where do we begin? We start with seeking understanding about how we feel and how the integration of our intellect and emotions inform our actions. Then, we get honest about our lives’ complications and where we can cut back doing in favor of being. Next, we look for ways to be generous and allow the caring parts of our natures to be deeply felt by others as we speak kindly and with genuine compassion and unconditional regard. And, we acknowledge our limitations and seek Divine intervention to provide authentic and valuable alternatives and support.

Here are a few other supportive quotes from past presidents:

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.” John Quincy Adams

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.” John F. Kennedy

“Hold fast to the Bible as the sheet anchor of your liberties. Write its precepts in your hearts, practice them in your lives.” Ulysses S. Grant

“Men are not prisoners of fate, but prisoners of their own minds.” Franklin D. Roosevelt

“The most enviable of all titles is the character of an honest man.” George Washington

Here’s a scriptural reference that brings us back to the essence of leadership:

“But Jesus said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles rule over their subjects, and those in authority over them are called ‘friends of the people.’ But that’s not the way it will be with you. Instead, the greatest among you must become like a person of lower status and the leader like a servant. So which one is greater, the one who is seated at the table or the one who serves at the table? Isn’t it the one who is seated at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.’” Luke 22:25-27 (CEB)

Take some time this week to review your essentials. Do they align with the presidents or leaders you admire? Are there things you feel need reflection and, perhaps, change? Are you able to integrate your thought life with your emotional nature in a way that presents the most authentic version of yourself?

The inventory may be a little taxing; however, I’m confident that if you spend time getting rid of all the ‘small’ stuff, you may have time to get back to the essentials of those things and the people most important to you. And that would be an extraordinary accomplishment!

Be Well & Be Blessed!
Lucinda