Soak in the positive moment. And make a choice.

When the news was announced this past weekend that Joe Biden and Kamala Harris (the first Black, Asian, daughter of an immigrant, female!) had secured the election for U.S. president and vice-president, many breathed a collective sigh of relief.

Celebrations followed around the U.S. and the world.  Yes, the same problems are still there.  Still, they felt lighter - more solvable.  The hope and expectation of progress and improvement in issues of racial inequality is tangible (and many other areas of focus as well). :)

An encouragement:

If you, personally, are pleased with the outcome, soak in the positive moment!  It is truly and extremely important (it can actually change our brain's wiring!)  Move deeper than the positive thoughts and really notice how it feels in your body.  Be a sponge to these sensations, trying to notice and experience each detail.  And, even better, you can return to these positive sensations again and again, causing those brain neurons to fire and strengthen these pathways of positive thoughts and feelings.

AND...

At the same time, we've already seen evidence there is much more work to be done.  While not the majority, a significant percentage of voters did not want this result.  Many more than we believed if we relied on polls (although important to note, many BIPOC were not surprised).  

We have a choice.

Given these divides, we have very important choices to make.  Ultimately, lasting change does not rely only on the top 1-2 people in one country.  It relies on each of us. 

• How do we continue to support leaders to pursue an agenda of justice and equality?

• How do we relate to people who see the world entirely differently?

• How do we, in our own lives and relationships, work to connect rather than divide?

Ultimately, change is inevitable.  What type of change, at what pace, and in what direction remains to be seen.  And it depends on each of us.  Continuing to show up.  Continuing to engage in respectful dialogues.  Continuing to grow in our awareness of ourselves and others.  Continuing to connect.

So, celebrate and soak in the positive moments of each day and may it nourish and sustain you to move into and create more and more positive moments - internal and external.

You matter.  You can make a difference.  I'm so thankful you're here.