The Year Begins In Earnest

     It was a heck of a convention! The Lions International Convention held in Boston did not disappoint.  The enthusiasm and exuberance were on full display.  A time when nationality didn’t matter and all came together to show that ‘We Care’ world-wide. The ‘Parade of Nations’ had every country dressed in traditional wear - it was flamboyant and a sight to see!  And it was ‘HOT’ walking that route that seemed to go on and on.

     The Leo’s from Oregon walked earlier than our Oregon contingent and they came back around and walked some with us. It was an honor to represent Oregon along with the rest of Oregon’s contingent.  In my previous article I mentioned family in Spain and would I meet someone … Well, no relatives but I did meet the Spanish contingent who knew of the area my family is from. They however were from the south of Spain and my family is more northern from the Basque region.  Even with broken communication we laughed and communicated like old friends!

     So now the year begins in earnest. I will be scheduling club visitations, carrying my message on to all. I touched on it last month a bit - all the extra stress now in our lives and how I like to deal with it through music. Anxiety, stress, pent up emotions … We all deal with it. The new name for stress syndrome or burn out is Adrenal Fatigue.  Let’s find ways to deal with it for the betterment of Lions everywhere.  If we take care of ourselves first, we have more to give to others for a great cause. The cause of course is what you do locally through your club activities.  And recruiting new members for the cause only helps reduce the pull on each and every one of us.

     MY challenge to you is for each of us to try and recruit just ‘one’ new member … just think of the extra helping hands and sharing of activities reducing your anxiety or stress of an upcoming project.  “In the jungle, the mighty jungle .. the Lion sleeps tonight ……”

‘Be Instrumental In Service’

Lion Pete Runnels

District Governor MD36-G