Dangerous Leader: Are you worth it?

Are You Worth It?

I shared with you in May of last year that my active-duty military husband had passed. Some of you reached out with kind words, which I very much appreciated — thank you.

This year, as we think about Memorial Day and leadership, I wanted to offer what I heard a few weeks ago at a conference.

Many veterans struggle with the idea of being thanked for their service. They don’t know what to say, or they feel embarrassed at the recognition, or they have resentment about the time they served. Each is entitled to their reaction.

And for those of you already firing up your fingers to keyboardsplain to me that Veterans Day and Memorial Day are not the same thing, just be patient. I assure you, I, of all people, am clear on this one. Be patient.

I was at a conference in another state for Special Operations couples, Gold Star Wives (military widows) and Special Operations singles. I was volunteering and had been asked to share my story of healing with plant medicine.

As I listened to one of the speakers talk, he addressed the thank-you-for-your-service dilemma. He said he had heard a great response when someone thanked you is to reply, “You were worth it.”

I am a veteran. My late husband was on active duty. If he were alive today, he would tell you that you were worth it. And since he is not, I am here to say it for us both with his endorsement: You were worth it. You were worth it all.

Are you worth it?

For those of you who are already forming that argument about “people in this country …,” and how they aren’t worth it, I would suggest you pause and consider whether you are worth it.

Are you worth the sacrifice of the many, many service members we will memorialize this holiday?

As a leader in your own life, you can challenge yourself with that question daily. Start with Memorial Day 2024.

Here are a few questions to consider in your reflection:

Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died in service of the United States of America. This year we honor Memorial Day on Monday, May 27.

At 3 p.m. local time, all Americans are asked “to voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to taps.”

Live Dangerously, Be You.

You are worth it.

Jennifer Smith is a Cedar Rapids-based personal and executive coach, host of The Dangerous Leader Podcast, and unapologetic optimist. Comments: jennifer@dangerousleader.com; @drjennsmith