We Can Do This

Over the last several months, I've been taking a break from all the noise. I'm logged out of social media on most days, sometimes for weeks at a time. I've shut the TV. I've turned off the podcasts. I've set aside the blog. I've even put down my beloved books.

Of course I stay aware of pertinent current events and necessary facts as a responsible citizen. But only the facts (I know, I know- they are hard for me to find, too). I'm seeking common sense over wild opinions. And I'm seeking dialogs of strength with those who value compassion and humility. People who may even disagree with my own views but yet we still welcome an honest conversation where nobody actually has to walk away right. Yes, those people are actually out there. God, I love those people.

The break from the noise has allowed my focus to be limited to precious time with family and friends, and being present with my clients. Another major reason for shutting it all off though is so I can focus on the heavy lifting of the final round of edits to my first book (which for this girl, is one sloooow process!). Too many voices in my head and it's just too distracting.

The book is a mix of stories and coaching challenges. It's an invitation to reflect on what a life well lived looks like for each of us. Last week, I was working on a section that talks about how we want to show up in the world. It got me thinking about the current state of the world right now. There's no magic bullet for fixing the woes of our current society.

But we can do something.

As individuals, we can pay attention to how we are showing up- on social media, in our relationships, in our communities. We can ask ourselves important questions.   We can stop expecting one side or group to save us and we can each save ourselves.

We can open our minds beyond what we're being fed by the various bombarding and opinionated sources of all kinds. And we can take ownership of the messaging each of us is contributing to humanity. Is it hateful? Is it thoughtful? Is it poisonous? Is it open-minded?

Are we listening or are we just talking? Are we only focusing on the bad or are we seeking out the good? Yes, even the good in those we disagree with. It's there. Keep looking.

This is the work for every single one of us.

Here are a few powerful questions that can shift you into choosing more peace and less chaos, and therefore contributing to a society that we all are capable of creating. It's coming. There's plenty of positive coming from both parties if you're willing to see it and there's plenty of negativity coming from both sides as well. So it won't be dependent on who gets into office. It will be dependent on the individual choices and perspectives we allow to lead us as individuals.   This is something each of us can actually control.

• Are my choices, words, actions and reactions contributing towards more drama and chaos or less? More noise? Positivity or negativity?
• During this election year, how am I showing up? If I do a 30,000 foot view and watch my typical conversations, what might I see?
• Am I offering anything valuable or am I simply complaining?
• What are the perspectives that I'm choosing to lead me? Have I considered other perspectives?
• How am I sharing my perspectives? Are my thoughts and perspectives increasing or decreasing stress?
• How much time am I plugging into public opinion? What is the impact on my energy, stress levels and physical wellness? How are my choices impacting others?
   

Try stepping back and detaching from the noise and see what you notice. In that pause, we can better understand when we may be matching what we see as darkness with even more darkness. Imagine the impact if each of us committed to bringing just a little more light. Now that is something to stand up and vote for.

We can do this.

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