President's Corner: Seeing the Best, When We’re Not at our Best
A few days ago my seven year old daughter made me a precious bracelet that had the letters “BEST MOM” on it. My husband observed the process from a distance and told me later that the bracelet had actually fallen apart several times while she was making it. Our sweet, determined little girl didn’t give up until the bracelet was complete. It was truly a labor of love.
The bracelet was completely her idea and was a natural expression of something she felt was important enough to put together. I always love these little gifts from my children which are manifestations of their creativity and inspiration. I appreciated this gift more so on this day in particular when I realized the message on this bracelet did not exactly match my parenting skills that day. Upon reflection, I recognized I hadn’t been the “BEST MOM” that day. I hadn’t been as patient and kind as, I know, I can be, and that I know my kids deserve from me. And yet, she saw me at my best, when I wasn’t at my best.
This little keepsake was a powerful reminder for me, and I think for all of us, to see each other at our best, even when we’re still in process. I can attest to the fact that my daughter's vision of the “best mom” that day certainly inspired me to do better for the rest of that day. I was able to find extra energy to be more patient and loving and climb my way back up to being the “BEST MOM. I was grateful for her soft and meaningful reminder of who I aim to be.
This whole experience got me thinking… What if we were able to do that for others in our lives? What if we saw the best in each other, even when we’re not at our best? How might the world shift as a result? It’s a simple yet powerful concept that allows us to inspire one another to be better naturally and with accountability. Perhaps this is one simple act we can all do this week to help make the world a better and brighter place. This is the logic of love, and the power of true love. May we all endeavor to see each other better than we are, knowing our potential and capacity!