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I'VE BEEN THINKING

Reflect. Remember. Rest. Recharge.

That’s what I want to do this Memorial Day weekend because I feel that everything is moving way too fast — the news, our politics, our conversations, our relationships, and our lives.

When everyone is in such a hurry, balls inevitably get dropped. Hurtful things get said. Personal and political misunderstandings occur. Crazy things happen, and no one takes the time to say, “Hey, wait a minute…”

What are we doing? What are we thinking? Where are we going? Let's stop. Let's rest a minute. Let's reflect on what is happening now, and on what has happened. Let’s take a beat and gather ourselves so that we can refocus, recharge and move forward in a more unified way.

I mean this sincerely and seriously. It's time for all of us — regardless of our age, our gender, or our political leanings — to be more conscious, more considerate, and more compassionate, not to mention less angry and less judgmental.

Now, before you scream, “How can she talk about resting when bombs are going off that are killing young children? When politicians are threatening to cut programs that for many mean the difference between life and death? When the ice caps are melting? When Washington is embroiled in a who knew what, when? When the world feels like it’s coming apart at the seams?”

Well, I would suggest that this is exactly the moment when we need to rest. 

Now, resting isn't something I grew up with. In fact, I think it's fair to say it was scorned upon in my home. If either of my parents saw anyone resting, well let's just say…no one would have dared to try.

But, I've come to realize that resting is of value. It doesn't mean you are weak or too tired to go on. It doesn't mean something is wrong with you or that you’re un-American (even if Americans like to think of themselves as the hardest, most competitive and most driven people on the planet).

Resting is important. It's important for your mind, your body, and your heart. When one rests, one can recharge and refocus. One can dream. One can tap into their creative spirit and into their consciousness. One can be at one with one’s self, with one’s own divinity, and with one’s own purpose and mission.

The truth is, I’ve run through a lot of my life, only to discover that the most successful people get more done when they slow down and rest. (Author Alex Soojung-Kim Pang has some amazing insights into this in his new book. You can read an excerpt below.)

When people rest, they are kinder. They are more thoughtful, they are more focused, and they are more at peace with themselves and those around them. They are also better parents, better partners and better professionals. People who make time to rest get stuff done — and they do it without creating carnage in their wake. 

So, on this Memorial Day weekend (the unofficial start of summer), I'm going to make rest part of my time off. In fact, I’m going to make it part of my summer and my life. (That is, after we come together next Sunday for Move For Minds. If you haven't signed up yet, please join us in one of our 8 cities. Help us make a difference in the fight to save our minds!)

I'm also going to spend time this weekend remembering all of the brave military men and women who gave their lives for our country. I want to pay my respects to them and express my gratitude to the families that get left behind and who too often struggle alone to put the pieces back together (like our incredible Architect of Change of the Week Taryn Davis, a widow who has devoted her life to helping military spouses find hope and healing after loss).

I'm also going to spend time reflecting on the legacy of my uncle, President John F. Kennedy. It's his 100 birthday tomorrow and his daughter, my cousin Caroline, has done such an amazing job helping people remember what her father stood for, what he fought for, and why his words still have such an impact today.

Caroline's video says it all. It makes you think, "What do I stand for? What am I doing for my country? How am I giving back? How am I serving the common good?” (Complaining or railing on Twitter doesn't count as serving the common good, by the way.)

So, before you say to yourself “I can't rest. I don't have time to reflect or recharge. I have too much to do..." Take it from me (someone who would have said those same words a few years ago). We are all going to end up in the same place, so what’s the rush?

Please rest. Please reflect on who and what is important to you. Please reflect on why you do what you do.

Recharge your batteries. Refocus your resolve. Remember that you are among the blessed. You are still here, so you still have a shot to make an impact with your life and benefit others. Why not take it?

Rest now. Because, trust me, we still have a lot of work to do.
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NEWS ABOVE THE NOISE
"I NEVER MAKE A JUDGMENT ABOUT A PERSON WITHOUT HEARING HIM OUT"

I love these words that Pope Francis spoke before meeting with President Trump for the first time on Wednesday. They are words of wisdom that we should all reflect upon and aim to follow.

I was also intrigued by the gifts the two leaders gave to each other during their 30-minute private meeting. Trump's gifts to the pope included a book of writings by Martin Luther King Jr. Meanwhile, the pope gave Trump three papal documents to read: one calling for science and religion to combat climate change, another on family, and a third on the joy of the gospel. "I'll be reading them," Trump said.

What would you give someone upon first meeting with them? Share your thoughts.
THE BEST OF HUMANITY AMIDST THE WORST OF TRAGEDIES

The news of the attack in Manchester broke our hearts this week. Lives were lost, families were shattered, and terror and fear ruined what had been a night of joy for so many, especially young women.

Still, we were touched by the stories of good people who stepped up to help. People offered their homes to those who were displaced, taxi drivers offered free rides, and many lined up to donate blood. As British Prime Minister Theresa May said, "While we experienced the worst of humanity in Manchester last night, we also saw the best."
AN INCREDIBLE MOM GETS THE RECOGNITION SHE DESERVES

Here's a story that really made me smile this week.

Judy O'Connor, a mom who attended every class with her quadriplegic son at Chapman University, was awarded her own honorary MBA at his graduation this week. O'Connor was living in Florida when her son Marty was accepted to the program, but she moved to Southern California to help him live out his dream. In addition to taking Marty to class each day, she also took notes for him along the way.

What a touching reminder of the amazing role mothers play in our society each and every day.

VIEWS: PASSIONATE VOICES/POWERFUL PERSPECTIVES

"Rest and Work Aren't Opposites. They're More Like Different Points on Life's Wave." — Alex Soojung-Kim Pang

Need another reason to take a break? Silicon Valley strategist Alex Soojung-Kim Pang has studied some of history's greatest creative minds and discovered that "deliberate rest" was their secret to fulfillment and success. He shares some of the insights from his research here with us today.
5-MINUTE READ: WHY THE MOST CREATIVE PEOPLE MAKE REST A PRIORITY

"There Are 1440 Minutes in a Day. How Will You Pause to Absorb Each One?" — Scott Kriens

How can we be mindful of the time that we have? Start by finding a community that supports your intentions. That's the mantra of Scott and Joanie Kriens, the founders of 1440 Multiversity, a new school in Santa Cruz County, CA. I recently visited their beautiful campus in the Redwoods to learn more.
WATCH: HOW A RETREAT CAN SUPPORT YOUR PERSONAL GROWTH

"This Memorial Day, Let's Take a Moment to Remember What We're Commemorating.'" — Jake Wood

On this Memorial Day weekend, we should all remember those who gave their lives to protect our freedom. Jake Wood, a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan and the founder of the vets' organization Team Rubicon, shares his reflection on what we can do to remember those who have fallen.
1-MINUTE READ: THE BEST WAY TO CONNECT WITH VETS THIS MEMORIAL DAY
"Love Lives On. We Can Carry on a Hero's Legacy, But We Still Can Create One of Our Own." — Taryn Davis
Taryn Davis was in her early 20s when she lost her husband, Army Cpl. Michael Davis, to war. The grief was equal parts overwhelming and isolating, so Taryn hit the road to seek the support of other military spouse widows like herself. The result was the documentary "The American Widow Project" and a nonprofit by the same name, which provides community and resources to military spouse widows across the U.S.

Today, we honor Taryn for how she has used her tragedy to lift up others and Move Humanity Forward.
4-MINUTE READ: HOW TARA IS GIVING HOPE TO MILITARY WIDOWS ACROSS AMERICA

A SUNDAY REFLECTION

My friend Allison, who always shares great quotes, stories and speeches with me, recently passed along this Emily Dickinson poem about rising. I share it with you this weekend because after we rest, reflect and recharge, we must rise.

WORDS OF WISDOM FOR ANY AGE

I also wanted to share a few lines today from one of my favorite books, "Oh the Places You'll Go" by Dr. Seuss. The book is a bestseller every graduation season, and with good reason. Dr. Seuss's words are valuable at any age. Another one of my favorite graduation books is my daughter Katherine's, "I Just Graduated...Now What?" It's filled with real-world lessons from those who have been there. If you're looking for a graduation gift, I recommend considering either of these great reads.

THOUGHTS WORTH SHARING
On the topic of reflection this graduation season, here are a few of our favorite lines from commencement speakers so far. Do you have a favorite? Share with us.

FOR THE WEEK AHEAD

YOU'RE INVITED

Join Us For a One-of-a-Kind Experience in Eight Cities Across America
Sign up for Move For Minds and join us on June 4 for a day focused on the mind-body connection and raising funds to wipe out Alzheimer's.

From now until May 29, the first 50 people to mention “The Sunday Paper” when answering “How did you hear about Move for Minds?” during registration will receive a $50 donation to kick-start your fundraising. 
DON'T MISS OUT! LEARN MORE AND REGISTER TODAY!

SHOP WITH A PURPOSE

"I Want My Activewear to Make a Difference."
 

Teresa Hebert of KORAL Activewear knows Alzheimer’s firsthand. I met her several years ago and like me, she is a daughter of Alzheimer’s and is doing what she can to honor her father. Teresa created these limited-edition KORAL leggings to join us in our effort to wipe out this disease. 100 percent of the proceeds benefit The Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement.
GET 'EM WHILE THEY LAST! ORDER TODAY!

"We Wanted to Make Our Kids Proud. We Wanted to Give Back."
 

The women of Rivet Revolution have also been touched by Alzheimer's. Through their passion for jewelry-making, they are using their work to ignite conversations and raise awareness. These "WAM Revolution Bands" are a partnership with The Women's Alzheimer's Movement and benefit women-based research.
GET YOURS NOW!

"I just put the finishing touches on my first coloring book and I couldn't be more proud!"
 

As a daughter of Alzheimer's, I am pleased to have created "Color Your Mind" - a coloring book filled with resources and activities that are specially designed for individuals with Alzheimer's and the people who love them. It's innovative, informative and inspiring. I hope you'll pre-order a copy and use it to connect with your loved ones. 
PRE-ORDER ON AMAZON TODAY!

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The Sunday Paper is a product of Shriver Media © 2017. Shriver Media is a For-Benefit Media Enterprise that believes media can be used as a Force for Good in the World. We Ignite Hearts and Minds.
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