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our physical body and our relation- Conclusion want to strengthen or develop?
ship can become stronger for when When we talk about resources, Then develop a realistic plan that
you need them. I know that some of them can works within your schedule and
Another strategy is to start a become stressors. If you are hav- situation and make that your goal.
gratitude practice. Researchers ing issues with anything, tackle it Understand that you will slip up
from the University of Indiana did head on and turn it into a resource here and there, and that is alright.
a study where students wrote three for resilience. Are you in a financial You should always work toward
gratitude letters over three weeks. crisis? Don’t ignore it. Talk with a progress and not perfection.
As a result of just those three letters, friend or a family member who is Remember a journey of a thousand
the students showed greater neural good with money. Find a respon- miles begins with the first step. And
sensitivity in the medial prefron- sible financial planner who can help if you’re on the right path, all you
tal cortex of their brains—that is you to develop a plan. Or maybe need to do is keep walking.
the area where decision-making you have stress at home with a rela- What steps are you taking today
occurs—and they showed a greater tionship. Again, talk with someone to develop your resilience?  ■
likelihood of seeking out things that you trust and admire or seek profes-
made them more grateful. sional help.
Even after writing only three Some people are born into situ- Colonel Brenda Dietzman spent 28
letters, the effect persisted for three ations that naturally make them years in law enforcement and correc-
tions, retiring as the undersheriff in
months. Imagine if you developed more resilient. But every one of charge of jail operations in Wichita,
the habit of saying what you were us has the ability to develop our Kansas. She is an IADLEST certified
grateful for everyday right before own resources that make us more trainer and has presented to national
you went to sleep? Or if you asked resilient. and international audiences on resil-
your child what they were grateful Think about your list. What ience and a variety of leadership topics.
She can be contacted through her web-
for? Can you imagine the lifelong resources do you already have in site at brendadietzman.com or directly
habit you would instill in them? place? Which resources do you at brenda@brendadietzman.com.

Election time is around the corner! This is
your opportunity to vote for the officers and
members of the Board of Directors who will lead

the American Jail Association for 2022–2023.

Your vote is important and decides how AJA continues
to represent your interests and needs.

For this election, AJA members vote for 3rd Vice President,
Treasurer, and four seats for a 3-year-term director. Look
for your ballot to arrive in early January 2022.

To ensure that you receive a ballot, log-in to your profile to confirm
your contact information and email address. Your email address
needs to be current in order to receive the electronic ballot
information. Your membership must be current as of December
31, 2021 to be eligible to vote in the election.

If you have any questions, contact
Michele Florian at michelef@aja.org.

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