EXPLORE, DREAM, DISCOVER!
Speech by Georgia State Sen. Donzella James to be given at the occasion of the WFWP USA 23rd National Assembly in Washington, D.C.
Hello and thank you for welcoming me here today. My name is Sen. Donzella James, and I represent the 35th Senate District of Georgia. I would like to thank the women leading the way to sustainable peace in this organization for inviting me to speak with you.
Take a moment to look around at the powerful, bold women sitting around you, and acknowledge that you are a select group that shows strong signs of leadership. As women, you have all been empowered with the tools to leave a lasting legacy on the lives of those around you. You are all leaders and women of courage, strength, tenacity, and purpose.
One of the best pieces of advice I can offer about leadership is to lead by example. There are many types of leaders, but I believe the most effective ones are those who lead by their actions--and not always by their words.
A popular book called Kisses from Katie follows the life of a young woman who sacrifices everything for the sake of those around her. Here's a short excerpt that I hope will remind you never to despise small beginnings and know that impacting others' lives is a lifelong pursuit.
"People who really want to make a difference in the world usually do it, in one way or another. And I've noticed something about people who make a difference in the world: they hold the unshakable conviction that individuals are extremely important, that every life matters. They get excited over one smile. They are willing to feed one stomach, educate one mind, and treat one wound. They aren't determined to revolutionize the world all at once; they're satisfied with small changes. Over time, though, the small changes add up. Sometimes they even transform cities and nations, and yes, the world."
People who want to make a difference get frustrated along the way. But if they have a particularly stressful day, they don't quit. They keep going. Given their accomplishments, most of them are shockingly normal, and the way they spend each day can be quite mundane. They don't teach grand lessons that suddenly enlighten entire communities: they teach small lessons that can bring incremental improvement to one man or woman, one boy or girl. They don't do anything to call attention to themselves; they simply pay attention to the everyday needs of others, even if it's just one person. They bring change in ways most people will never read about or applaud. And because of the way these world-changers are wired, they wouldn't think of living their lives any other way.
As this book mentions, changing the world is as simple as doing what is right when no one else is looking. It means sometimes choosing the bumpy path instead of the smooth road ahead. But I assure you, it is these moments of adversity that define us and change the world in which we live.
Each and every one of you here today should be proud of the character you have developed throughout your lifetime. Character is what distinguishes one individual from another, and good character is the product of constantly striving to make the right choices--even though it might be tough to do.
People with good character constantly demonstrate respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, fairness, kindness, and citizenship. They have strong mental and moral qualities. And these strong character pillars will support you during life's most challenging times.
My advice to you regarding character is this: say what you mean, and mean what you say.
My parents also instilled in me the concept of giving back from a young age. Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "It is one of the most beautiful compensations of life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself."
As I volunteered and helped, I liked the person that I was becoming, not simply because of the transformation happening in me, but the change I saw taking place in others. The one thing I hope to take away from my time as a state senator is this: I want to know I inspired others to realize their leadership and true potential.
A life coach is trained to pinpoint "giftings" and challenge people to use their talents for the betterment of others. Even if you are not a life coach, your life will serve as a mentor to those around you whether you realize it or not. We all carry influence--it is how we use it that matters.
Before I close today, I'd like to leave you with a quote from Mark Twain: "Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bow lines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."
If you decide to live a life of purpose, it frees others to raise their anchors and sail away too. Remember, helping others find freedom will come once you've found yours. So live courageously, love deeply, and give generously--live every day as a steward of this great adventure called life. And most of all, remember that life is a gift: a treasure that many live, but may never fully experience.
Someday, the sum of our lives will not be measured by the size of our home or the brand-name heels on our feet, but by the value that we add to others. And ladies, we must stick together. We may not always see the impact that we leave on others' hearts, but I assure you, the imprint will last forever.
Thank you again for inviting me here to speak with you today. Love is an action, so let's get to work!