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Personal Reflection/Anecdote

Taking a Second...for Gratitude

and Appreciation

By Debra LeBlanc

I was honored to serve as the DKG 2022–2024 International President and
had the opportunity to express my appreciation for our esteemed members
at the 2024 International Convention. I shared a borrowed message that
has resonated with me for a long time. It’s a simple yet profound message:
a posted note on my desk with the number 86,400 written in bold Sharpie.
The message is straightforward: 86,400 represents the number of
seconds in a day, and those seconds belong to you to spend as you please.
They are yours to use and cannot be transferred to anyone else. The next
day you will receive a fresh allotment of seconds, emphasizing the value
of mindfulness and inspiring a sense of responsibility to use those seconds
well.
Many of us usually spend time doing something enjoyable, such as being with family and friends,
reading, walking, volunteering, or teaching. Whatever the case may be, the “time bank” is filled with
meaningful contributions while trying to do something that makes the world a little bit better for someone
else.
The same number of seconds is received each day. So, for example, if something negative happens to
take up 400 seconds of your time, it may not seem significant in the grand scheme of things. However,
as humans, we sometimes allow situations to consume our thoughts and deplete our “time bank account”
for the day. Negative exchanges of words or actions, irritating encounters such as someone cutting in
front of us in line or traffic, or even a seemingly endless red light that “takes forever” to turn green can all
contribute to this. A wise person once remarked, “If you allow a situation to rent space in your head, then
value is given when not deserved.”
To shake off negativity and move forward, remember that each day you are gifted 86,400 seconds, and
it is entirely up to you to decide how to spend them. The choices you make with these precious seconds
eventually determine the person you become. You often find your best moments when you spend seconds
with those you care about, engaging in activities that bring you joy, learning new things, and serving
others. It is better not to let something as insignificant as 400 seconds of your day ruin the other 86,000
seconds.
The posted note with 86,400 written on it is a powerful daily reminder to cherish and wisely spend the
time you are given each day. I urge you to use that time to contribute wisdom, creative and thoughtful ideas,
and love to this organization…to ensure its continued relevance, sustainability, and vitality to educators
around the world. These efforts to share resources, provide networking opportunities, and support crucial
initiatives amplify the impact of 86,400 seconds tenfold and benefit all members.
I have said this so many times to DKG colleagues: YOU matter, your voice matters, and our collective
voices are essential and critical in making a significant impact on and for others. I remain grateful for your
service to DKG in your 86,400 seconds, whether yesterday, today, or tomorrow.

Dr. Debbie LeBlanc is 2024–2026 Immediate Past International President and currently serves on the Administrative Board
and DKGIEF Board and as chair of the Avenue M Task Force. She is a strong advocate for teacher leadership and children with
special needs. A member of Beta Phi Chapter, she is the Event Planning and Management Chair for Illinois State Organization.
dleblancedd@gmail.com

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