Well, the results are in. And, from the looks of my social media feeds, I’m fairly certain that it is not the outcome that most of my friends and colleagues were hoping for. However, as I wrote in my previous post, regardless of the outcome, we need to find a way to move forward. Today, I am writing to provide a glimmer of hope and brightness for all of us.
As I scanned my Facebook feed this morning, I was comforted by the posts of many of my friends.
One friend posted: “While my head is spinning and I am stunned and saddened by what America truly believes, I will continue to believe in the good in people, I will remember that when the going gets tough, I don’t run away and neither do my friends. As for my daughter, I will tell her that sometimes we have to get along with people we don’t agree with or who make choices we don’t think are the right ones. I will continue to tell her that she and everyone else can do and be anything they want. And she will continue to tell me that that’s not true because men can’t have babies and girls can’t pee standing up. But first, I think I’m gonna drown my sorrows in a chocolate donut!”
A business colleague shared: “There is only one way forward: understanding. We need to understand how we got here and who our neighbors are. We have to ask the hard questions that scare us, listen deeply to the answers and hold each other close.”
And a friend from high school encouraged us to respond with kindness: “Join me today and do a random act of kindness for a stranger. It’s time we remind the world that Love Wins!!”
In my opinion, this election was about more than two parties or two candidates. It was also about anger. And, after thinking about this a bit, I have come to believe that this election fueled two types:
- “Angry fire” fueled by frustration with the state of the union.
- “Angry hearts” disturbed with the character and values of the potential leaders.
Don’t get me wrong – each party had a combination of both. However, today, in my own optimistic view, I am hopeful that the angry fire will dissipate and the angry hearts will grow stronger. Rather than causing destruction, we will spread love, hope and understanding with our hearts. If my Facebook feed is any indication of what is ahead, I’m certain we will be OK. It may be difficult, but we will be stronger because of it.
Regardless of how you are feeling today, let’s take this opportunity to show the world that, while we each have our own opinions, we can unite as one and be stronger together.
Thanks!
Jeff Freedman
CEO/Managing Partner
Small Army | Finn Partners