Everyone can positively impact others’ lives
LEISURE WORLD STRONG
No one gets out of this life alive. So leave a footprint of your choice.
You are writing your epitaph.
You are writing it now!
Life is a process, not a goal.
Live it now, or you will miss it!
We have time to spend and no time to waste.
—Dr. Charles Franklin, Ph.D.
In his 2014 commencement speech, former Navy SEAL Adm. William H. McRaven offered 10 lessons to the University of Texas at Austin graduating class. Through the years, the impact of that speech has rippled out into the universe, sending the hopeful message that everyone, no matter their age or gender, has daily opportunities to have a positive impact in the lives of others, which helps foster a kinder and more peaceful world.
The speech has been seen more than 16 million times.
And it is memorable. McRaven uses mini illustrations like making beds, paddling pals, sugar
cookies, sharks and drills. Each metaphor carries at its core an important life lesson—shining in the dark, singing in the mud and ringing your bell.
The speech is titled “What Starts Here Changes the World.” To see the video of his speech, visit https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=pxBQLFLei70 or just Google “Admiral McRaven.”
As the commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, Adm. McRaven led a force of 69,000 men and women and was responsible for conducting counter-terrorism operations worldwide. He is a recognized national authority on U.S. foreign policy and once advised presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama.
Several LW residents recently sent the link to the LW Weekly office as a reminder to stay positive despite chilling world events.
GRF Director Janet Isom was one of them, saying the speech reminded her of “how resilient we are, as a world, as a nation and as individuals, even in the face of incredible trials and tribulations we never could have envisioned.
“Resilience is the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or significant sources of stress,” she continued. “As recent examples clearly show, the war in the Ukraine and the war against COVID demonstrates the incredible resiliency of humans.”
Everyone can make a positive difference in their own way.
LWers can take such simple steps as smiling at, waving to and checking on their neighbors. People can reach out to someone who is lonely with such simple gifts as reading aloud to them or watching TV together. Or give the gift of a listening ear. People love to tell their stories. Being kind and thoughtful can lift others.
These are basic things that can leave an imprint and offer priceless moments to connect. Giving always rebounds to the giver.
Leisure World is rich in steadfast volunteers who serve the community. GRF and Mutual directors give endless hours of service to make this place a secure oasis for residents. Volunteers with the Golden Age Foundation, the Friends of the LW Library, the Y Service Club, Rollin’ Thunder Golf Cart Club with their free cart-service days and many others make this a special place.
The LW Weekly invites you to recognize those special volunteers in your life.
Send names, Mutual numbers and a brief description of how they serve to rutho_news@lwsb.com. LW’s volunteers will be recognized in an upcoming issue. —Ruth Osborn, managing editor
