Lead With Love
We’re approaching that scary time of the season, and I don’t mean Halloween. I’m talking about Election Day.
I don’t think anything happening on October 31st can be quite as scary as what America is facing on the day after November 8th. There is a growing sense of distrust in the air. A concern that no matter who wins, the country might be facing a crisis of confidence. I’m trying to decide if that is news media “hype” – a way of generating continued viewership – and like the crappy candy in our Trick or Treat bags – best tossed in the garbage.
I’ve tried – and the keyword is tried – to stop watching the election coverage. When you vote Early Ballot – you can do that. And yet – I haven’t been able to distance myself. Emotionally, I’m all in. I want our better angels to prevail. I want to feel about America the way I did the day we elected our first Black president. I want to feel hopeful and happy and proud of who we are. And even though I know there are problems that still need to be fixed, I want to believe that this country can do anything. In my heart, I know it’s true. It just takes focus, teamwork, and leadership.
But I’m afraid.
Some ugly stuff has reared its head through this election season – and sometimes it’s hard to get the genie back in the bottle. Name calling, bullying – offensive behaviors – awful stuff that I have found impossible to ignore. Where is all this hate and hostility coming from? Reasonable people have reasonable arguments. Adults agree to disagree. But this is different. This is the stuff of playgrounds. Aren’t we better than this?
So, as I think about 2017, I’m going to focus on love. Yes. I’m going to force my crabby old-self to put my best foot forward and honor civility. Clearly, the way to change, is to start at home. No more hanging up on those cold calls that arrive at dinner time to offer help in unloading my timeshare. I’ll not roll my eyes when someone fumbles at the supermarket checkout line searching for a credit card. I promise to be patient when the light changes to green, not honking my horn in irritation. I will practice breathing calmly, enjoying all the world has to offer.
Above all, I will practice leading with love. The alternative is far too scary.
