While in Washington, D.C., I’ve spent my fair share of time on the National Mall taking in monument after monument and story after story of our nation’s heroes. While these were moving, inspiring, and emotionally consuming all at once (I cried real tears seeing the Declaration of Independence in the National Archives), I certainly didn’t spend as much time touring these as I thought I would.

Before coming to DC, I figured I would spend most of my free time on or around the National Mall. I pictured myself doing any remote work I needed to do from the Library of Congress, touring the Capitol as many times as they would allow, and journaling in the Jefferson Memorial. The monuments of our nation were going to be my inspirations; I figured I would spend as much time as possible gawking at them.

Instead, I often found myself on long walks in the nearby neighborhood of Georgetown. I found that, as inspired as I am by tales of glory and triumph like the kind on the National Mall, I am most satisfied by the simple, quiet elegance of life passing by.

Similarly, I have been in rooms with government and nonprofit leaders throughout my internship. I’ve been part of strategic planning, developing culture and improving leadership skills in many ways. This has been meaningful and rewarding. But when I think back on this time at Model Leader, I take even more satisfaction out of time at Model Leader HQ (AKA the Marshall’s home) where I talked with Andrew and Ariel about big leadership questions, spent time with their kids, and became close to their puppy. Satisfaction did not come from the moments that had a big production budget, an impressive cast list, or a headline-making outcomes. Rather, they were moments that allowed me to offer and receive with those I trusted in subtle ways, in regular, day-to-day spaces.

As I’ve thought about what I would like to say in this final newsletter of mine, it is not the tales of triumph or the marvelous moments of excellence that caught my attention. Instead, it was the moments of quiet repose which every great leader of this nation seems to have increasingly sought out as they received more and more recognition. I’m more drawn to Washington’s private prayer at Valley Forge than to his transformational leadership of the army during that harsh winter. Curiously, it seems that the more sought out a leader, the less that great leader wants to be so. Whether George Washington or Abraham Lincoln, Albert Einstein or Madame Curie, it appears that in many cases there is a preference for these prolific figures to shut the world away in favor of quiet moments of private peace.

As an executive coach, I often see leaders and people in their truest form. They do not need to show up in some monumental way, try to impress me or seek my validation. They can be who they are. It’s one of the great gifts coaching offers–for someone to bring their full selves and know that they will receive no judgment nor will they receive superficial ego-stroking.

My parting invitation to Model Leader readers is to find spaces and people where you can enjoy simplicity, authenticity, and private peace. Some questions you might consider:

• What settings invite you to be your truest self?

• Who are the family members, friends and colleagues who bring you a sense of peaceful authenticity?

• As the stillness of winter approaches, what will you do to take time for greater peace through simplicity?

It’s been a joy to support Model Leader this fall and partner with you! Wishing you all a joyful and peaceful holiday season.

Jonah