Beyond the Benjamins

kristina leonardi
3 min readApr 19, 2022

One of the most fascinating figures of our past offers inspiration for creating a fulfilling future

Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

I recently caught some of Ken Burns’ new documentary on Benjamin Franklin, perhaps the most multifaceted and wisest of all the Founding Fathers.

His was a life that pretty much sums up and embodies the word “experiment” — from his humble beginnings and making a name for himself; to his interest in science and numerous inventions (thanks, Ben, for the bifocals I’m wearing to type this!); his unique philosophy, writing, and skilled diplomacy; as well as his participation in societal experiments, like a little ole thing called democracy, or more specifically, “a republic, if you can keep it.”

He was also someone who evolved his opinions and values as he discovered, observed and experienced things, which I believe is a sign of true authenticity and wisdom. So the next time you flip on that light switch, or get a hold of a $100 bill, send him a little gratitude for the greatness he left behind.

How do you want to mold and shape your personal journey while you’re here? How can you experiment doing something a little different or stretching yourself? What kind of culture and world do you want to live in? What kind of future do you want for your children or grandchildren?

It’s up to each of us to make the most out of the air we breathe and the space we take up on the planet, so let this be a gentle reminder to get to work in your own lab of life and add your own unique talents, skills and creativity to the whole.

Not quite sure what the right key is to getting your kite to soar to success? Give me a buzz and I’ll help you tap into your unique genius and make you a legend in your lifetime.

For related thoughts on this topic, read my essay The Experiment.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Get essays like this delivered every Friday to your mailbox (with an introductory note about current events) as my PGG newsletter by texting CLEARLYKRISTINA to 22828 to join my mailing list.

Click here to learn more about Kristina Leonardi coaching and other services.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Kristina Leonardi is a nationally recognized career and life coach, speaker and author who for over 14 years has empowered individuals to make lasting professional and personal changes aligned with their true passions and talents while fulfilling their role in the world at large.With a holistic and personal growth-oriented approach, she has helped hundreds of men and women over the past decade improve their job performance, enter or re-enter the job force, change careers, better manage their time and stress, and live happier, more meaningful, balanced lives. Her specialty is working with people who feel stuck or are in transition and can help you clarify exactly what you want to do, identify blocks, issues, and patterns in your way, and offer proven ideas, resources, and action steps to get you there.

Click here for info about Kristina’s coaching and speaking services

Follow on Facebook and Instagram and Twitter for up to date posts, helpful articles and inspirational thoughts. Slowly building my YouTube channel so you check that out and subscribe too!

Check out my book Personal Growth Gab:Personal Growth Gab (PGG) Volume One: Thought-provoking, inspirational and entertaining essays to keep you connected to yourself and make sense of this journey called Life on Amazon

If you like what I write, you’ll love what I have to say in person!

Click here for info about my coaching and speaking services

Click here for some testimonials from past clients

Click here for a video that explains some ways in which I can help you

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Read over 100-star “Yelp” style reviews here

Join Mailing List

Read more about me and my work in these past PGG’s:

All Roads, Same Place | And Now, A Word from Our Sponsor | Strong Medicine | 10,000 Hours | A Decade of Doing What I Do | Express Yourself

--

--

kristina leonardi

Speaker,Coach,Writer.Very Tall. Expertise:People. All kinds, what makes 'em tick, how they fit into the world, how they can best connect to themselves + others.