Let's write about how we can help to change the world!

As a proud member of the Rotary club of Portland Maine, I am often asked to lead the weekly meeting' opening "thought for the day". This shared meditation moment is presented after the members stand to recite the Pledge of Alliegience. 

A recent message I delivered in my meditation was to compare the wonderful inspirational message in motivaional speaker Admiral William McRaven's "Ten wasy to change the world", with the Rotary Internaational's tenets about how the Rotarians apply his principles in the Rotarian "Four Way Test".

Admiral William McRaven who over saw the 2011 Navy Seal Ossama Bin Laden operation, is a military leader and a popular motivational speaker. Thankfully, he share the content in some of his speeches, especially when he provides us with a summary of th e ten principles to help change the world.

If any of us have heard his speech on line, you know it is worth listening too again.

I thought how his 10 principles match up with our Rotary four way test and reflect on why we are proud to be Rotarians.

First, his good advice is to begin the day with an accomplishment, even a small one and suggests “Set a positive tone for the day, begin by making your bed!”.

2. Find someone to help you….do not try to do everything alone, teamwork is essential. This principle is reflective in Rotarian five avenues of service.

3. Respect everyone- treat all individuals with dignity and consideration …as in "The four way test 'build better friendships'”.

4. Know that life isn’t fair, be prepared for unfairness and adversity.

5. Don’t be afraid to fail, learn from mistakes and keep moving forward

6. Tale calculated risks, don’t be afraid to pus boundaries and try new things.

7. Face down bullies= confront challenges and those who try to hod you back.

8 Step up when times are toughest, be resilient and preserver through difficult situations – reminds us of our humanitarian relief projects and international service, like in the Dominican Republic with our hearing, clean water and prosthetic hands aid.

9. Give people hope, inspire others and offer support especially when they are struggling, to use a quote from Pope Leo XIV, “hope is a motivator, it does not disappoint”.

10 Never, ever give up, maintain unwavering determination and commitment to your goals.

These ten principles are a great way to help us jump start our new Rotary year! We can apply Admiral McCraven’s principles to our Rotary mission of giving Service Above Self.😇