On a morning like this, it is easy to feel either frozen by the news or fried by the arduous election process. Choose carefully what you say today and, in the days to follow. There is no going back and today, you can choose to move forward.
 

There’s no use predicting what may lie ahead in the coming weeks, so focus on what you can control: being the calm in the storm for your team and community.

Every day brings with it a new opportunity to take action: to say something if we see something and to act in service of people and the planet. Because if you don’t act when you see the fog rising, what can you expect other than disaster? 

The late civil rights leader Vincent Harding posed and lived a question, “Is America possible?” He wondered whether America's noble experiment in creating a multiracial democracy could work. Before he died in 2014, he was asked if he thought it was still possible to create a democracy that worked for all of us. He answered, “Yes, but only as we make it possible.” I believe we can, and the people joining us today in conversation are proving it.

When we’re faced with a barrier, it’s easy to become consumed by the barrier. Focus on looking beyond the barrier. The answer may be right beyond your current line of sight. 

Don’t let your present-day become ordinary. Be present in the present and sensitive with your time. Like a photo, there’s something worth capturing right here and now. 

As I’ve learned, there’s always more than one happy ending, regardless of what we’ve been told in fairy tales.  So, as you think about the stories you tell, the ones you’ll pass down, and the ones you share in your work, ask yourself if you’re creating the conditions to tell the whole story—  not just the story you think people want to hear.  

From her body language to her focus and strategic use of story, Kamala Harris took the stage last night to connect with voters. She conveyed calmness under pressure and experience over ego, and she showed the power of communication when used as a force for good.

As if the scorching summer temperatures weren't enough, American politics have also heated up to a rolling boil this summer, with this past weekend's assassination attempt on one of our presidential candidates being considered by many a critical tipping point. Parties and politics aside, leaders at every level are being called to comment, weigh in, and do something.

So, what are you to do? What role do these weekend’s events have on you, your organization, and your community? If you think none, I suggest you think again.

Knowing when to step aside can be difficult, but it can be made easier by asking one key question: Am I prepared to let go? Knowing when to lead and when to make room for others is one of the single greatest leadership skills. Don’t wait until it’s too late to start practicing it.

Don't underestimate what is possible when you let your head and heart align. You may just find your greatest sense of purpose.