Rural Leader Magazine JANUARY 2016 | Page 3

Editor’s Note Reader's Voice Dear RL Magazine, I was so excited to receive the Nov./Dec. 2015 issue. Love the Small Town America's 100 Most Influential Honors. —Randy H. Macon, GA Dear RL Magazine, Thanks for the article, How women can plan their financial future. The article was timely just what I needed. —Wendy A. Smithville, VA Dear RL Magazine, Thank you for the article on the value of teachers. It is important to recognize the wonderful things they do. —Jan E. Tupelo, MS Dear RL Magazine, I can't wait until the 40 under 40 issue! —Stacey W. Tallahassee, FL Dear RL Magazine, Thanks for being a brigh light for small town America! —Carl M. Madison, WI Dear Reader,   Happy New Year! I am excited about 2016, and I hope that you are as well. This year, you can enjoy Rural Leader Magazine each month, and I am so ecstatic to present to you the first installment.   This issue focuses on personal development, which is such an important facet of not only leadership, but life. With each New Year, many establish goals and resolutions in hopes of self-gratification and goal achievement.   Inside this issue, we’ve put together various articles rich in content to help you live your best life in 2016. Discover six simple ideas for living happier (page 4). Learn how to jumpstart a financially healthy 2016 (page 11) and how to get out of debt (page 14). Also learn how to create your own personal development plan (page 32), how to leave a leadership legacy (page 22), and other leadership development techniques (page 26).   And learn about two phenomenal leaders from rural America: Morgan E. Cline (page 28) and Claudette D. Wilson (page 20). Discover how Cline made a lasting impact in his hometown and how Wilson is on a global mission for Christ. And much more!   Enjoy the issue and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google +, and LinkedIn!  P.S. Thanks again for making the Small Town America’s 100 Most Influential People issue one of the most popular issues of 2015 with nearly 17,000 views nationally and abroad. Regards, Kuanita E. Murphy, PhD Publisher/Editor-in-Chief What you do matters. @RuralLeaderMag GetRuralLeaderMag.com | JANUARY 2016 3