President’s Report

Several years ago, I attended a “stress management” workshop. One theory in that workshop has stayed with me to this day. The presenter discussed how at the end of the day it is difficult to shut off your work thoughts; issues and problems. Her example was that she lived near her place of employment. It was only a 10 minute drive to and from work. What she learned was this: At the end of the day, she would hop in her car; drive the 10 minutes home and boom! She would be hit at the front door with children hungry for dinner, husband looking for a clean shirt, other children needing help with homework…on and on. No down time for “me.” Her family decided to buy a home in suburbs thus making her commute a half hour or so. She would end her day, hop in her car; pop in a CD and listen to soothing music for a half hour. By the time she got home; her heart rate was down and she would feel much better to face the evening full of other challenges.

I think of that idea with “wishful thinking” because for those of us in very small communities our commute normally is 5 minutes or so! How often do we come home from a council meeting only to sit and have to unwind before we end our day? How often do we deal with a disgruntled citizen for one reason or another and have that issue dwell in our mind for a very long time? If we are dedicated to our profession or to our elected office; this can be something we should all learn to do; “let it go.” We all try our best to provide a safe and enjoyable community for our citizens to live. Sometimes a bump in the road means we must stand back and assess the problem. Find a solution. Get HELP finding that solution. Do not try to tackle it all by yourself.

My husband and I were proud to attend the SD Governor’s Inauguration. No matter what political party you belong to; this event is for every South Dakotan. The pageantry and the pomp and circumstance was a rewarding experience. Governor Daugaard talked about stewardship. That made me think of all of us that belong to the SDML –whether it be elected or appointed. We are fulfilling a stewardship for the State of South Dakota. Because we care and we want what is best for our citizens at all times.

“Leadership is doing what is right when no one is watching.” – George Van Valkenburg

Jeanne Duchscher President