The President's Message 8/4/25

“Trust yourself. Create the kind of self that you will be happy to live with all your life. Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into flames of achievement.”— Golda Meir

We all carry within us small, quiet sparks—ideas, dreams, talents, and instincts that whisper what we might become. These sparks are often easy to ignore, drowned out by doubt, comparison, or the pressure to conform to others’ expectations. But as Golda Meir reminds us, growth begins with trust—specifically, the decision to trust ourselves.

In a world that constantly tells us who we should be, trusting your inner voice can feel radical. It means choosing authenticity over approval, process over perfection, and curiosity over fear. It means creating a version of yourself that you enjoy being with, one who reflects your values, passions, and evolving potential.

Many people hesitate to trust themselves because they worry it may come off as prideful or selfish. But self-trust is not about arrogance. It’s about alignment. When you trust yourself, you are choosing to believe that your thoughts, feelings, and vision matter—that your intuition is worth following.

This doesn’t mean you’ll always get it right. In fact, trusting yourself also means being willing to fail, to learn, and to try again. The confidence comes not from always being correct, but from knowing that you can handle the outcome either way.

Big achievements often begin with a tiny, almost imperceptible spark—an idea scribbled in a notebook, a conversation that opens your eyes, a moment of stillness that reveals a desire you hadn’t fully named. These sparks need nurturing.

Start by making space for your inner voice. Carve out time for reflection, journaling, or quiet moments where you can simply listen to yourself. Notice what excites you, what you dream about, and where your thoughts go when no one else is watching.

Then, take one small action. You don’t have to leap into something massive. Fan the spark with intention. Send the email. Apply for the opportunity. Start the project. Every flame starts with a flicker.

Golda Meir’s quote also calls us to be thoughtful about the kind of person we are becoming. Can you look in the mirror and feel peace about who you’re growing into? Are you treating yourself with kindness, holding yourself accountable with grace, and making space for your evolution?

You are not a finished product—you are a lifelong creation. And when you live in a way that honors your values and your potential, you not only ignite your own flame, but also inspire others to tend to their own.

You have everything you need within you to become the person you’re proud to live with. So trust yourself. Nurture your spark. And step into the fire of your own becoming.