The Bed is Always Made

(Part 4 of 4: A Late-Lee Reflection on Leadership and Thankfulness)

I struggle with anxiety. When life starts spinning like a tornado, I’ve learned to bring order to what I can control. I’ve listened to Admiral McRaven’s speech more times than I can count. His advice to “make your bed every morning” has stuck with me all these years. It’s small, but it starts my day with something I can complete. It’s the one thing I can manage when the rest of the world feels unpredictable. Late-Lee, each time I straighten the comforter, layer the blankets, and fluff up the pillows, I give thanks for completing that task. It’s the only one I’m guaranteed to accomplish that day. And, being the list maker that I am, being able to check it off as done gives me a small sense of satisfaction.

After that, I calendarize my work: meetings, school visits, calls to return, and the tasks that can’t be ignored. I spend a few quiet minutes envisioning my day, thinking through what needs my attention and who might need a visit or a call. I set alarms on my phone so I’m sure to be on time for meetings I need to attend. It’s my way of creating calm before the wind picks up.

There were days, however, while I was a principal, when even my best intentions and careful plans were stolen away by things beyond my control. An angry parent shows up. A discipline issue that couldn’t wait. A teacher who needed a listening ear. Those moments taught me something important. Control is not the same as calm.

True calm often comes from the people who bring steadiness when everything else starts to swirl. The ones who show up, follow through, and create order in the middle of everyone else’s storm. They take attendance on time. They handle duties. They meet deadlines. They keep things moving forward when the unexpected threatens to pull it all apart.

They are the calm in the chaos.

The ones who make the bed.

Leader Moves

As leaders, we have to notice them. It is easy to give our energy to the loud moments, the conflicts, the crises, the things demanding our time. But the quiet consistency around us deserves just as much attention. The people who keep order are often the ones who keep the rest of us standing.

Take time to name them.

Thank them.

Remind them that their steadiness matters.

So in an exercise of gratitude, let’s notice them; the calm keepers, the order makers. The ones who steady the storm so others can stand.

Leadership is not just about fixing what is broken. It is also about recognizing the people who keep things from breaking in the first place.