Presidents’ Day has long been a time to reflect on the many achievements of the United States’ greatest leaders, thinkers and architects of democracy. Originally celebrated on February 22nd to coincide with the birthday of the country’s first head of state, George Washington, Presidents Day was later shifted to the third Monday in February as part of 1971’s Uniform Monday Holiday Act, an attempt to create more three-day weekends for the nation’s workers. While several states still have individual holidays honoring the birthdays of Washington and Abraham Lincoln, many now view this day as one to celebrate all U.S. presidents past and present. Our country’s leaders have all taught us valuable lessons. We share with you today three simple considerations from ‘Honest Abe’ reminding us honesty seeds trust in our homes, workplaces, worship spaces, and communities, and most importantly, is the keystone of our credibility as leaders. 

Last Thursday, a celebration of life service was held for Susan Zanner. While guests came to grieve their loss, they also came to celebrate Susan’s ultimate victory. Printed in the order of service was a poem we share with you today written by Linda Nielsen titled A Gift. Susan discovered her cancer was a gift; a gift that came to her in many ways, through many people, over many months and years as she walked the path so many have walked.

Charitable giving continues to uniquely define the United States when compared to other nations.  With many of our clients giving considerable sums to charities each year, we thought our readers would be fascinated and inspired by the following excerpts taken from an article entitled “Philanthropy’s 3 Percent Solution,” written by Adam Meyerson, president of the Philanthropy Roundtable and published in Philanthropy Magazine.

Undoubtedly the life of John Glenn has inspired all of us. In memory and honor of this man’s humble and generous spirit, we share a reflection by Columbus Foundation President and CEO Doug Kridler. Godspeed, John Glenn!

Though the story shared with you today may have some age, its message is timeless. Published on December 14, 1982 was the story winning first place  in a popular magazine’s contest, “My Most Moving Holiday Tradition.” It has not only encouraged families to adopt the tradition in their own home, but also inspired an Atlanta, Georgia family to start Giving101, a nonprofit passionate about unleashing the amazing power of contagious giving. May we remember throughout the season to give from the heart and remember Mother Teresa’s words, “It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.”

As we celebrate a time to count our blessings and shift our hearts to the gifts and graces that flow into our lives every day, we share with you a story of one family’s Thanksgiving ritual; the gratitude tree. May it encourage us all to take time during this busy season to express all that we have to be thankful for in our lives today and every day thereafter. 

Earlier this month we celebrated Veterans Day, a holiday dedicated to American veterans of all wars. We share with you today a story that reminds us their service and dedication to our country is one to honor on November 11th and every day thereafter. Currently, there are only five surviving veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars that have quadruple amputations; Retired United States Staff Sergeant Travis Mills of the 82nd Airborne is one of them.

A year ago, Jeff Greenley was working as a lawyer in the Ohio attorney general’s office. Now, he and his wife and two children live in southeastern Ohio for his new job as Director of Human Resources for the Switzerland of Ohio local school district, in the heart of Appalachia. Greenley is one of the 32 graduates from the first class of Bright New Leaders for Ohio Schools, a program for mid-career professionals with a desire to change careers and use their skills to help struggling school districts throughout the state.

To reach your personal best, you need to learn how to challenge the person in the mirror. He or she is your toughest adversary and your only real competition. Discovering how to overcome your limitations, fears and self-doubts will do more for your development than defeating a dozen competitors. We share with you today a short story highlighting swimmer Diana Nyad overcoming a coveted goal she attempted years ago, along with four principles you can start applying today to become a better version of yourself.

It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life; focusing too much on the destination instead of enjoying the journey. As our schedules fill up with important events and we start finding our minds in different places, may we remember to focus on being present and simply enjoying life as we experience it. We share with you today a story about living life in the slow lane; one to keep in mind even more so with the holiday season upon us.