This past weekend, I watched an impressive presentation on the history of American flags at my Sons of the American Revolution chapter meeting. The speaker used historical perspective, context, humor and the actual replica flags to illustrate how and why we ended up with the current iteration of the stars and stripes.
One of my favorite flags visually is the Don’t Tread on Me flag, most commonly known as the Gadsden flag, after American general Christopher Gadsden, who designed it in 1775. It was first in battle by used by Commodore Esek Hopkins. As the American Revolution went on, the rattlesnake grew as a symbol for the colonies, thanks in large part to Benjamin Franklin. Franklin loved the imagery of the rattlesnake and published an essay in the Pennsylvania Gazette (under a pseudonym as he often did) where he suggested that the rattlesnake was a good symbol for the American spirit. One of his many reasons was articulated in the publication, “She never begins an attack, nor, when once engaged, ever surrenders: She is therefore an emblem of magnanimity and true courage.” (Note that the rattlesnake on the flag – see below – has 13 rattles on its tail, matching the number of colonies)
Sounds like the rattlesnake would make an equally appropriate symbol for businesses and organizations. The rattlesnake depicted on the flag was an emblem for people who were hungry for freedom, liberty, and creating their own destiny. That’s an ideal and unleashed life. That same spirit should also propel each of us to creating a life and career that we can call ideal. If she be as Franklin opines, an emblem of magnanimity and true courage, then good for us. We are all entrepreneurs; some own the company and others own their own personal companies where they create revenue from their work for others. Regardless of owner or employee, there is a spirit that is required to unleash the potential for the organizations, the families, and the individuals involved. Don’t allow any circumstance or situation to tread on your dreams. Clamp on and never surrender. Just like the rattlesnake.
Quote of the Week:
“I believe in being an innovator.”
~ Walt Disney
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UPCOMING EVENT: IDEAL LIFE DAY
My Shrimp Tank podcast co-host Brad Berger and his company Cornerstone Financial Strategies is hosting a FREE half-day event meant to help you clamp on tight to your destiny to create your own “Ideal Life.” It’s called Live Your Ideal Life and is being held on Saturday, March 3rd in Tacoma. Barb and I are attending this event that is filled with great ideas, marvelous speakers, and information that will help you grow personally. It’s FREE and there is still room. For more information and to register, click here! Hope to see you there!
