At our barangay we continually face challenges - how we view them defines us!

Do we choose to see the challenges as stepping-stones or as obstacles. If we choose to see them as obstacles, then the challenges we face will be viewed as problems problems that need to be overcome along with all the negative connotations associated with problems. A great deal of wasted energy can be spent focusing on a negative mindset - mindsets like "I can't", "I won't", "I don't want to" and "I shouldn't have too". We, however, choose to see challenges as stepping-stones - opportunities that we have encountered along the way for us to use, to "step on" so that we can achieve more, develop further and ultimately actualize more of our goals! So, what do we do? Everybody needs to be committed to defining our vision. We need to draw on triedand-tested experience and hold onto what works, we need to introduce new thinking and approaches where feasible and we need to stop what isn't working. We need to create a vision whereby our name becomes synonymous with excellence, innovation, honor, integrity and outstanding quality and service. As quoted by J.K. Rowling If you choose to use your status and influence to raise your voice on behalf of those who have no voice; if you choose to identify not only with the powerful, but with the powerless; if you retain the ability to imagine yourself into the lives of those who do not have your advantages, then it will not only be your proud families who celebrate your existence, but thousands and millions of people whose reality you have helped change. We do not need magic to change the world, we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already: we have the power to imagine better. That's it - we need to promise less and deliver more...every time. If we keep our vision simple yet goal focused - then we will have turned defining our vision into a stepping-stone, one which we will use to reach even greater heights. A child's lasting impression of their father. "He didn't tell me how to live: he lived and let me watch him do it". These words resonate in my thoughts, they capture my attention, my emotions and my imagination. What an amazing tribute to a life well lived, to leadership personified through a father's every action, word and deed - each day...every day...for a lifetime. What an remarkable legacy to leave behind? Ideas are sometimes best captured as images. Imagine a father walking... not in front of his son expecting him to follow, not behind his son driving him forward - but rather next to his son, leading by example. It evokes an image of a father living life to the full - yet, all the while, through his every action, thought, word and deed, he showed his son how to lead a fulfilled life, qualities worth emulating, obstacles to avoid, watershed moments to be seized and relationships worth fighting for. This nuclear father-son scenario, is however, largely universal and one worth striving for in life.

Consider a business environment, an educational institution, a religious context and even family and social relationships? All of these facets of life would certainly benefit immeasurably from striving to lead by example - every day. Too often we fall into the trap of telling people what to do. We walk ahead of them and expect them to follow. We utter meaningless words, often lacking in substance and credibility. Perhaps we need to quietly reflect on our role, our legacy, our example? Perhaps, we need to move away from our role as a prescriptive director of activity towards that of a role model who encourages and guides by example -constructive, credible example that is worth emulating. If actions do in fact speak louder than words then let's live our lives and allow others to watch, knowing that while our example is not perfect, at least it is one that it constructive and honorable - more often than not. Adamant to serve the public in whatever way, I accepted the challenge. Now, I know how it is to be in the frontline of delivering basic services to the people as a (insert position here), and at the same time I have now to learn to represent the causes of the barangays in this bigger forum of governance. My dear colleagues, it is at this juncture that I seek your invaluable assistance. Being my seniors, not only in age, but also in public service, I humbly implore your support for the measures and policies that I may sponsor in behalf of my representation. I also ask for your patience if I may be solicitous or may at times be passionate, or may even cross horns with some of you, in addressing some issues. I am not much of a politician, maybe just a bit. In the same way, I am willing to hear your advice and counsel in the spirit of fraternal camaraderie. Please know that I am always hungry to learn from each and everyone of you. Good day and thank you