“Be yourself; everybody else is already taken.” Oscar Wilde.
Last weekend, I, along with millions of other people throughout the world watched the funeral for High Royal Highness Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. It was a breath-taking occasion which featured 700 members of British armed services on display in the grounds of Windsor Castle before the service.
The funeral was led by the Dean of Windsor and Archbishop of Canterbury. The Dean commented that we had all been inspired by Prince Philip’s unwavering loyalty to the Her Majesty the Queen, by his service to the Nation and Commonwealth and his courage, fortitude and faith.
The Dean and Archbishop said that our lives have been enriched through the challenges he has set us, the encouragement he has given us, his kindness, humour and humanity. The service was a reminder of how he was respectful of tradition, dedicated to a life of public service and duty.
I will remember Prince Philip as someone who was assured, at ease with himself and his own man. He could be brusque, straight talking and was prone to the odd gaffe. His comments weren’t always seen as politically correct.
He wasn’t afraid to do things differently and his own way. We saw examples of this in the funeral service. There were some quirky touches like the converted Land Rover he designed to carry his coffin to the service. Also, the buglers of the Royal Marines playing action stations, which is a call to battle and a message to “get on with it.” Something that struck me was that the power of the funeral was its simplicity.
Her Majesty the Queen said on her birthday last week, “My family and I would like to thank you for all the support and kindness shown to us in recent days. We have been deeply touched, and continue to be reminded that Philip had such an extraordinary impact on countless people throughout his life.”
One of the ways that Prince Philip had a massive impact and helped young people to develop their confidence and achieve their potential was via the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme that he set up.
The scheme is described on its website as a life-changing experience. A fun time with friends. An opportunity to discover new interests and talents. A tool to develop essential skills for life and work. A recognised mark of achievement; respected by employers.
Through a DofE programme young people have fun, make friends, improve their self-esteem and build confidence. They gain essential skills and attributes for work and life such as resilience, problem-solving, team-working, communication and drive.
For the hundreds of thousands of young people who take part each year, the benefits of achieving a DofE Award at any level are endless. DofE is about helping you along the path to a productive and prosperous future.
The scheme enables young people to make a difference to other people’s lives and their community, be fitter and healthier, make new friends and have memories to last them a lifetime.
Participants say that doing their DofE gives them character traits like confidence and resilience, that it can boost their mental health and wellbeing and help them face and overcome personal challenges.
When I reflected on Prince Philip’s life, I thought about the legacy he had created through things like the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme and the significant impact this had on helping people fulfill their potential. I saw him as a great example of someone who inspired people to be themselves.
The following piece of writing also came to mind about being the best that you can be.
Promise yourself – Christian D Larson
To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet.
To make all your friends feel that there is something worthwhile in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
To think only the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press onto the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.
To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticise others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world,
not in loud words but great deeds.
To live in faith that the whole world is on your side so long as you are true to the best that is in you.
This week, why not take a few moments out to reflect and consider if there are situations in your life that require you to speak your truth. If so, what will be your first step? Also have a think about what actions do you need to take to just be yourself more.
To arrange a free no obligation consultation, please contact Stephen Pauley via the contact form or by e mail: Stephen@befirstclass.co.uk