Meaningful Mondays

The viral effect of one pilot’s behavior illustrates how a single person’s actions can set the tone for everyone else. This experience reminded me that true leaders stay transparent, express genuine gratitude, and model calm under pressure. In doing so, they create a ripple effect of grace and positivity, even in the most challenging circumstances. "Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge." – Simon Sinek "Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference." – Winston Churchill

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” — Martin Luther King Jr. In the context of agency, this reminds us of the responsibility we carry to act with courage, to speak and do good in the face of challenges, and to show untiring love. “We are not isolated beings. The power of one choice can ripple outward, touching countless lives.” — Viktor Frankl “Your beliefs don’t make you a better person; your behavior does.” — Lee Brower

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“The bee is more honored than other animals, not because she labors, but because she labors for others.” – St. John Chrysostom “No creature, not even bees, was made by God as unselfish as a human, yet bees teach us about giving more than we receive.” - Unknown “Like bees pollinating flowers, our small acts of kindness can spread life, gratitude, and growth.” - Lee Brower

“Discipline is choosing between what you want now and what you want most.” — Abraham Lincoln “Discipline is the riverbank that channels our focus and energy, allowing us to flow toward Enduring Impact. Without it, distractions flood our path and dilute our purpose.” — Lee Brower “We must all suffer one of two things: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret.” — Jim Rohn “True freedom is impossible without a mind made free by discipline.” — Mortimer J. Adler

The next generation is willing to learn and eager to make a positive impact. What is one thing you can do this week to be more interestED rather than interestING - especially with younger people? "The future is bright because those who are interested in others, instead of just themselves, are the ones who create the lasting change." “Being curious is better than being interesting. When you are interested, people feel it—and they’ll remember you for it.”

"What we do repeatedly defines who we are. Small actions, taken consistently, create great impact."  - Lee Brower

Life isn't just about recognition of whether we win or lose in the traditional sense. It's about how much we learn from our experiences that we can use. If we aren't learning, our experiences are empty. "Turn your wounds in wisdom." - Oprah Winfrey "Always make your learning greater than your experience." - Dan Sullivan "Every experience God gives us, every person He puts in our lives, is the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see." - Corrie ten Boom

We're building the kind of Enduring Wealth™ that strengthens relationships, deepens trust, and makes people feel seen. That’s the kind of wealth that lasts far beyond likes on social media. "The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness." - Dalai Lama "We often overlook the immense power of a small Arrows Out™ gesture—a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, or a heartfelt compliment. These simple acts of care and gratitude can potentially transform lives."

Having a vision is not enough! "Vision without motion is perpetual frustration. The first lift of the anchor may not set you free, but it sets you in motion. And once you’re in motion, the horizon is yours.”

In today's environment, where negative news often dominates, it’s important to remind ourselves that while we can’t always control what happens in the world, we can control how we choose to see it. As a leader, here's a way to inspire yourself and others to take control and "turn the spoon around". When you feel overwhelmed by negative news, pause and "turn the spoon around." Find one thing, however small, that you can be grateful for or take positive action on. Note how this shift affects your mindset and actions throughout the week.

"The true power of a question lies not in the answer it seeks, but in the connection it creates." — Lee Brower "In the right moment, a single question can be more powerful than a thousand answers." — Lee Brower "Great questions make great answers." — Oscar Wilde "Questions can be like a lever you use to pry open the stuck lid on a paint can." — Fran Peavey

"...We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of Heaven. We have been preserved, these many years, in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth and power, as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace, and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us; and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us! It behooves us then, to humble ourselves before the offended Power, to confess our national sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness."

One reason time seems to speed up as we age is that we experience fewer novel events. Journaling helps create more vivid and accessible memories, making time feel like it's passing more slowly. By recording daily experiences, thoughts, and events, we: Create "memory anchors" that distinguish one day from another Become more mindful and attentive to our daily lives Reflect on and process our experiences more deeply Make your days feel fuller, more meaningful, and less rushed?

"Life will always be full of the unexpected. It's how we respond that defines our experience." ASK: How can I shift from reacting to responding in challenging situations? What three things can I be grateful for right now, despite my/our challenges? In my life, who can I reach out to for support or to offer support? "We don't have to wait for the rainbow to find joy in the rain." - Dieter F. Uchtdorf By cultivating gratitude and consciously choosing our responses, we can find joy and meaning even in life's most unexpected moments. Let's embrace the journey!

If your "aware" of the nudge, you just might follow it.

Empowered Wealth Perspective Entertaining new perspectives is a critical step in personal growth. By embracing new and diverse ways of thinking, we broaden our outlook and uncover innovative solutions to problems. You will see a new horizon, which generates deep appreciation for where you have been, where you are now and where you have the potential of going. This leads to new thoughts, new vision and new motion, as you continue to balance your approach and capture your progress as you go. - Lee Brower, The Brower Quadrant *DyVal Video from Feb 22, 2019, for Meaningful Monday

Who are you trying to please, and at what cost? Who are you listening to, and how does that align with your enduring vision and your core principles? "The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything." - Warren Buffett "It is easy to say no when a bigger yes is burning inside." - Stephen R. Covey

Three essential keys to leadership in today's world. Go BIG (Be IN Gratitude), regardless of your circumstances. Challenge the traditional thinking- even if that is the way you have always done it or believed. Act and Adjust The enemy of thriving is arriving.

Welcome to this week's edition of Meaningful Monday with Lee Brower. In this heartfelt episode, Lee reflects on the profound impact of Father's Day, expressing gratitude for his father, his role as a father, and as a grandfather. He shares a touching story about a cherished memory with his late father and emphasizes the vital role fathers and father figures play in the home. Lee introduces the concept of "Involved Fatherhood," highlighting that fatherhood extends beyond biological ties to include stepfathers, single mothers, mentors, and community leaders. He underscores the importance of stability, wisdom, and integrity that fathers and father figures bring to future generations. Through a personal anecdote, Lee demonstrates the power of expressing gratitude to those who have positively impacted our lives. He encourages listeners to commit to nurturing stronger families and creating a legacy of enduring principles, compassion, and deep connections. Join Lee in celebrating the essence of fatherhood every day,