How are you feeling today?
Tired?
Worn out?
Elated?
Overwhelmed?
Scared?
Relieved?
Joyful?
Sad?
Maybe it’s all of those feelings…all at once.
This isn’t a political post. Over the course of this election cycle I have refused to enter into the debate or the fray. I have listened and watched the pundits. I have heard the rhetoric on both sides. I have tried to remain positive in the midst of overwhelming negativity.
So, what does today bring?
There is a lot of uncertainty about the days that are before us. There are more questions – maybe more than ever before. There are a ton of options of how we can respond – regardless of how we voted yesterday. We can gloat. We can bury our heads in despair. We can sit in a corner and fret away the day. We can type words and emote all over social media. We can do a lot, but if we are to move forward we need more.
It may be an understatement to say we are a divided people. It also seems pretty clear that there is a lot of pain. And I’m not even sure we know where that pain comes from or what that pain is about. It’s like we have a wound that has appeared and we have all kinds of ideas of where it came from, but that wound just can’t heal.
This pain affects us all, and I don’t just mean in terms of policy. Our pain is felt by men and women, young and old, white, black and other. I have 2 middle schoolers who are dealing with emotions and concerns that I didn’t have to entertain until I was in graduate school. I have millennial friends who are worried about the future, and boomers who are worried about their legacy.
In light of all this, I would like to make a plea. My plea is simple – Be Better. If you are scared today, don’t let it swallow you. If you feel vindicated by election results, choose to be a voice of compassion. If you are angry, choose to find joy in something else. If you must endure voices around you that are calling for a move to Canada, or are filled with malice – endure and be a light and an a glimmer of something better. If you look at the other side and see ignorance, choose instead to be a voice of unity. If your candidate won or lost, let today be an opportunity to reach out and befriend someone you disagree with.
If we can agree that division is all around us, do something today that will develop understanding and conversation. If we feel that we are segregated, find someone different and say hello – be an encourager. Be Better and be what we all want – and refuse to be sucked into being what none of us wants.
Elections, leadership decisions and plans will all happen – but they don’t have to manipulate or control the way in which we live, respond, and interact with one another. Rise above – be better – be the voice you want to see.