In southeastern Iowa, like many parts of our two countries, spring is almost here or “just around the corner”…new life is ready to bud, blossom or chirp. In regions where there aren’t four such distinct seasons, nonetheless a feeling of rejuvenation and regeneration comes with springtime.
Deep and essential within all of us is the dynamic hope to be at our best…to be relevant…to make a positive difference. Like chapters, from time to time each one of us as an individual must regroup, reinvest and reevaluate our personal directions. Awakening springtime around us offers private motivation to do just that.
Each one of us can also have an expanding, individualized vision.
Right now, ask yourself these questions:
- Where is my main focus?
- Is that what I concentrate on most?
- Where are most of my energies directed?
What is on your horizon? What is over the next hill, beyond where you are now? What meaningful opportunities will renew you this calendar springtime, regardless of the “season” in your life? Does your internal glue need a reapplication of cohesiveness? Does your external outreach need reprioritizing? What does it take to open and enlarge your individual perspective? Is this an investment worth making? Of course, as we all understand, the commitment for expanding attitudes and accomplishments must be first and sincere.
In what would almost seem like a paradox, we also all know our directional focus is sharper when our various components of living are balanced. Achieving balance produces harmony. How do you sustain balance? It isn’t easy! It requires honest assessment and a disciplined mindset always on the lookout for possibilities. Each one of us has untapped potential for growth and development.
In the financial world, rebalancing investments is necessary from time to time. Ask ourselves the same clarifying questions: if I consider some personal rebalancing, will the rewards be greater? Will my positive “influence in the community” be stronger? Which is more beneficial—a series of small steps or a big change? Is my new direction fleeting or sustainable? It is important to remember we must stretch in order to grow and expand.
In repeating our treasured Objects and Aims, each one of us is always reminded that her/my chief duty is to apply the values of our sisterhood to our personal lives. Indeed, we each understand very seriously the stewardship of choice.
On a springtime evening from wherever is your personal landscape, check out where buildings meet skyline, or where hills reach to clouds, or where blues of the seas evaporate into heavens—and be drawn onward seeking more. With confidence, our personal visions will be expanded.
In P.E.O., the month of March begins a new year for each local chapter. Thank you to all who are completing responsibilities and to those accepting leadership positions as officers and committee members. In the local chapter year 2011-12, send growing roots deep into nurturing possibilities and try new options too. Encourage each member to offer her best with the time/energies available within her current life’s responsibilities. Please make it an upcoming chapter goal to have each member involved somehow.
May each springtime day be more worthwhile than the last…ahead are prospects we cannot quite see, yet we reach.
Forward!
Elizabeth E. Garrels,
President, International Chapter
Growth comes with an increase in focus and an expansion in value.
Growth comes when positive intentions become enduring actions.
