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Rotary and World Understanding Month

In the Rotary world, February is known as World Understanding Month because the focus is on goodwill, peace and understanding among people of the world. In an age where people cannot seem to agree on the most trivial things, the fact that millions of Rotarians are actively seeking to be understanding of others is refreshing.

Leigh McIntosh

Rotary Club of Lawrenceville is involved in the Georgia Laws of Life Essay Contest in February. Students in high school are encouraged to create an essay about something important in their lives. These essays are judged by Rotarians across the state and winners receive a cash reward and recognition. Thank you to all of the Rotarians who volunteer to read these essays for the benefit of Georgia students. 

The Rotarian, a monthly magazine for all Rotarians, had a recent article about a 2019 survey conducted by the American Psychological Association. Survey results found that 54% of people say that following the news causes them stress. Results also found that the news tends to be more negative than the world really is. Scientists say we pay more attention to bad news because as we evolved, bad news could affect our immediate survival. While getting the news once a day may be valuable, overexposure can cause problems.

Numerous other studies have found that the things we think about have an impact on how we perceive our surroundings. This is why focusing on the positive can have such a positive influence on us physically and emotionally. If you find that you spend too much time thinking negative thoughts, you can make a conscious effort to refocus your thoughts on the positive. The result may be a happier and healthier you who understands the importance of goodwill, peace and understanding among people of the world. At this point, you will be ready to be a Rotarian.

Leigh is a proud Rotarian and CEO of Creative Enterprises, Inc., a not for profit, training and employment, community rehabilitation program for adults with disabilities.  A lifelong resident of Gwinnett County, Leigh divides her time between advocating for people with disabilities, enjoying her children, grandchildren, friends, and animals, helping her doTerra essential oil customers, traveling, and focusing on her spiritual journey to appreciate how we are all connected. Rotary meetings are every Monday at Garden Plaza in Lawrenceville at noon. Visit us on Facebook at Rotary Club of Lawrenceville or contact us at lawrencevillerotary.org or RotaryLawrenceville@gmail.com.

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