I have also served as Editor and Publisher of my Rotary Club's weekly bulletin for four years, winning awards in the process. Several editorials that I wrote a few years ago have been reprinted in several languages and in the weekly bulletins of several hundred Rotary Clubs, as well as ROTI. Here is another of the more popular ones.

A Collection of Wishes Jeanne, as you are about to begin your year as president of the Rotary Club of Carrollton-Farmers Branch, you are faced with the opportunity of overcoming some of the misguided, and even stupid things that those who have preceded you have left. While none of us likes to admit that they might have done better, here is my baker’s dozen collection of wishes for you: 1. A tendency to think and act deliberately, rather than from fears based on past experiences. 2. An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment. 3. A loss of interest in judging others. 4. A loss of interest in judging self. 5. A loss of interest in conflict. 6. A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others. 7. A loss of ability to worry. 8. Frequent, overwhelming episodes of appreciation. 9. Contented feelings of connectedness with all members. 10. An increasing desire to make meetings and other club events fun. 11. Frequent attacks of smiling through the heart. 12. Increasing susceptibility to kindness offered, and the uncontrollable urge to reciprocate. 13. An increasing tendency to allow things to unfold, rather than resisting and manipulating. Jeanne, the vast majority of the membership want you to succeed with flying colors, and the others don’t count. Be true to yourself and Rotary and nothing else will be important. The most appropriate way to end this is with an old Gaelic blessing. “May the road rise up to meet you; May the wind be always at your back, The sunshine warm upon your face, The rain fall soft upon your fields, And until we meet again May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.”