For my last response, I chose part nine, chapter two, by Sir William Mulock.  The chapter is written on Mulock’s speech that he gave on his ninety-fifth birthday.  Mulock was Chief Justice of Ontario, and I have to admit that I had never heard of him, but after reading his speech I wish I had.  Although not a long speech, it was beautifully written and contained an even more important message: to live life fully, enjoying the present and all that it has to offer, while looking ahead with excitement.  Mulock states it as “Live fully and happily.  Make good friends and cherish good memories…Keep looking ahead, always ahead – for the best of life is always further on” (Watson, 1951, p. 269).  

It seems like such a simple statement, but it is not as easy to always apply.  From worrying about money or health, to getting caught up in so many day to day tasks and routines, there is not often time to question, “am I living life to the fullest right now?”.  It is a great reminder to be excited and hopeful for the future.  That, simply stated, the best is yet to come.  

Two lines had a powerful impact on me and my practice of leadership.  I read them over numerous times and love what Mulock was saying with each one.  The first, “The shadows of evening lengthen around me, but morning is in my heart” (Watson, 1951, p. 268), is a tremendous reminder to live and lead with a passion and energy.  Despite time or circumstance weighing you down, it is important to not let that effect how you approach each day.  The second line, is when Mulock states he has “…warmed both hands before the fire of life” (Watson, 1951, p. 268).  It is such an effective way to describe living life to the fullest.  It is a lasting reminder to take with me, that I can look back one day and be satisfied that I too have warmed my hands. 

Daneen

Resource

Watson, L. E. (1951). Light from Many Lamps.  New York, NY: Simon & Schuster, Inc.