LEADERS

There are four types of leaders:

The best leader is indistinguishable from the will of those who selected her.

The next leader enjoys the love and praise of the people.

The poor leader rules through coercion and fear.

And the worst leader is a tyrant despised by the multitudes who are the victims of his power.

What a world of differences among these leaders! 

In the last two types, what is done is without sincerity or trust – only coercion. 

In the second type, there is harmony between the leader and the people. 

In the first type, whatever is done happens so naturally that no one presumes to take the credit. 

Tao Te Ching Lao Tzu translation by Ralph Alan Dale VERSE 17

REFLECTION:

  • Everyone is a leader… what kind of leader are you?
  • Identify a person/people in a current leadership position.  Which type of leader are they? What can you learn about leading from them…  how to lead or how not to lead?

HAPPINESS

Happiness is like a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you. 

Quote by Nathaniel Hawthorne

REFLECTION:

  • Sit down quietly.  Examine your life.  What brings you happiness? 
  • Make a list of your joys…. what you are happy and grateful for in spite of current circumstances.
  • What is one thing you can do to add  some happiness to you or to another person this day?  

RISK and LOVE

Love is everything it’s cracked up to be.  It really is worth fighting for, being brave for, risking everything for.  And the trouble is, if you don’t risk everything, you risk even more.

Quote by Erica Jong

REFLECTION:

  • How can you love more today?
  • What risk are you willing to take to be more loving today and going forward?