Lessons From the Clover

All you former 4-Hers out there ought to remember a little something we call the 4-H pledge:

I pledge my Head to clearer thinking,
my Heart to greater loyalty,
my Hands to larger service and
my Health to better living,
for my club, my community,
my country, and my world.

I remember reciting this pledge, complete with hand motions, at the beginning of every meeting back in the sickly green lighting of the Blue Ridge Elementary gymnasium. It didn’t mean much to me as a kid, but looking back as an adult I can see the need to start focusing on the four H’s.

My head’s not always in the right spot. Often I let myself get overwhelmed, distracted, disenchanted, you name it. When my head reels with thoughts, clearer thinking would be a welcome change.

My heart sometimes gets ignored by my over-thinking head. I cannot think of a time where following my heart has led me astray, yet I can think of many where my head took me on a rollercoaster of a ride. I need to be more loyal to myself, which will allow me to be more loyal to the ones I love.

My hands could be doing more for others, not just myself. My head and my heart tend to focus on just me and my own well being, but get so preoccupied with selfishness that my hands are pretty much rendered incapable of doing any good elsewhere. It’s about time I spend more effort focusing on how I can help others.

My health has always been something I’m mindful of, but not always actively doing something about. From eating healthier to working out more regularly, there are so many simple things I can do, and need to do, to improve my wellness. This must become a bigger priority in my life.

So, there you have it: the four H’s behind 4-H, and darn good principles to implement in our adult lives.