Explanation:
For 10 years of my youth, I was a member of 4-H, an organization that strives to help young people gain and develop the skills they need to be forces for good in their communities and develop valuable leadership skills to apply to their lives. The 4 H’s stand for head, heart, hands and health. The 4-H pledge goes like this:
I pledge my head to clearer thinking,
My heart to greater loyalty,
My hands to larger service,
And my health to better living,
For my club, my community, my country and my world.
I haven’t thought about the 4-H pledge in many years. Months ago, I wasn’t thinking about when I submitted this post proposal topic to the editor of " The recent events of the global pandemic have caught nearly all of us off guard. However, these circumstances have proven to me that there is no better time to think about being a better citizen. While sheltering in place, I’ve had much time to ponder the many challenges that face our world in light of current events. During this time of reflection, the 4-H pledge emerged from my memory. As I thought about it, I realized the 4-H pledge provides some inspiration during this challenging time.
I pledge my head to clearer thinking. How are you spending your time sheltering in place? Of course, I’m sure you’re working on classwork and research, but are you filling the gaps with endless cable news, gossip and social media? Are you sharing stories that originate from less-than-credible sources, contributing to fear-mongering, or allowing your head to be filled with negativity and unfounded fears? If you are, it’s time to devote your head to clearer thinking in the midst of this crisis. Turn off the news and put down your device. Graduate school is already tough as it is without undue pressure and anxiety. Take a break, meditate, read something inspirational or go for a walk (while keeping your social distance).
My heart to greater loyalty. We often think about loyalty in terms of relationships, but it has other meanings. The dictionary provides several definitions, one of which is faithful adherence to a cause. We now all have a common cause and commitment to adhere to safe and healthy behaviors. This virus does not discriminate. Safe behaviors are, in many places, being enforced by our local or state governments. While the crisis is distracting, remember to stay loyal and committed to the things that are important in your normal life as well. Avoid behaviors with detrimental consequences such as racking up credit card debt from bored online purchasing and staying up late watching Netflix night after night. Normal life will return.
My hands to larger service. Keep your hands to yourself for now, but think about ways you can provide acts of service during this time. Have you called your grandmother or the elderly neighbor? Have you donated blood? If able, have you contributed funds to nonprofits working to help those who are afflicted by or fighting this pandemic? An act of service could be as simple as washing the dishes while your spouse is busy working from home. There are simple ways to be of service in your community and even within your own family. Maybe these acts of service will ultimately become a lasting habit for your regular life after
