Today is my birthday.

And unless you’re totally immune to the clever marketing of Hallmark, you’re probably aware that today is also National Boss’s Day.  Ironic isn’t it?  My husband Joe sees it more as a cruel twist of fate, as if I’m not bossy enough already.

But on this Boss’s Day, I thought it fitting to send warm kudos to our nation’s first boss, George Washington.

I was at a fitness conference in Washington, DC a week ago.  Such an amazing city – the monuments, the museums, the remarkable history.  Fortunately, we were able to squeeze a little play time in between the meetings and the sessions, but we hardly knew where to start.  The Smithsonian?  The Lincoln Memorial?  The White House?  But for some strange reason, a little voice inside of me whispered, “Mount Vernon.”

George Washington’s plantation and estate, Mount Vernon, includes over 50 wooded acres, gardens and outbuildings overlooking the Potomac River just outside of the District.  It was there that George Washington laid forth his aspirations for a fledgling United States, free of the tyranny of King George and the British.  As I toured the grounds of Mount Vernon I was overcome with emotion at times contemplating the courage of Washington and our other forefathers who fought to be free.  The liberty of our nation rested on their shoulders.  I saw Washington’s dining room, where he and Thomas Jefferson mapped out their vision for our nation.  I sat on the back porch and imagined George and Martha rocking in their chairs while overlooking the cool waters of the Potomac.  I saw the bed where he died – and I imagined George whispering his last words to Martha.

What a legacy – and what a remarkable leader.  I left Mount Vernon invigorated and inspired – my “inner George” all fired up.  I’m all the more motivated to make a difference in the world by encouraging our citizens to be physically active and live healthy lifestyles. 

Happy Boss’s Day, George – and thank you.