Parkland Mayor Rich Walker.
A Message from Mayor Rich Walker
July has its privileges.
As the Mayor of Parkland, I get it – Parklanders are driven, ambitious, focused. All of that is good, within reason. But, for some of us, even the concept of relaxation is a challenge, and some of us make plans to roll back the stress – but it doesn’t happen. The truth is, there is always something we could worry about, but, if ever there was a time to slow down, take a break, and keep things simple, that time is now.
If you are a parent or guardian of a school-age child, think of what you would tell them, if they were juggling a lot, or stressed out. Your advice may be helpful for you as well.
Of course, there are important things, high-level things we all need to tend to, as South Floridians in the summer/hurricane season – stay prepared, stay cool and hydrated, and practice firework and water safety. But we should all have one month where we can take a step back from all the noise in our lives and see the real perspective, and either let some things go, or prioritize them for another day.
If something has been nagging at you for the past few months, take a moment to organize your thoughts and look at your real priorities. Write it down – sometimes when we see things in writing, we realize things are not as hectic as we thought. It’s a check-and-star world, where checks represent getting something done sufficiently, with little energy, and stars represent issues and situations that require more care and focus.
Breathe, and realize that not everything is a star – many things are just checks.
If you feel like you need someone to give you “permission” to not take everything seriously, consider this your green light.
Summertime is always more enjoyable when we take advantage of the slower pace. Enjoy your families and don’t sweat it.
If you would like to share your thoughts or if you have questions or comments you would like to share, I would love to hear from you. I can be reached via e-mail at rwalker@cityofparkland.org or via cell phone at (973) 390-1453. I am frequently available monthly at Parkland businesses and love to talk with residents there. I encourage you to visit the City’s website cityofparkland.org and click on the social media icon that you prefer, to ensure that you stay informed on events and helpful information.
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