This morning there are many awaking who are feeling sad and even scared. Indeed, the feelings being expressed by many are palpable and historic; and not as expected maybe some 24 hours ago.
But my post is not political. Indeed, in my Facebook Live WHATSUPWITDAT broadcast last night on bullying, I addressed whatever thoughts I have on the possibility of a Trump presidency … and you are welcome to engage them. I am not a political partisan, though I will admit to sharing in many of the sentiments of Mark LeBlanc last night on Facebook where he said…
Still awake and watching. It appears that Donald J. Trump will become President Trump. I stand with those who feared but never imagined this day would come. I will not blame the Russians, the FBI, or the rigged system. He ran the most divisive and disrespectful campaign I am aware of. And the majority spoke loud and clear. We will have a Republican senate, house and leader. As a moderate Republican and never Trump citizen, I am genuinely afraid. My positions would fall along the fiscally conservative and socially inclusive way of being. Independent analysis of his proposals project another $6 trillion will be added to our national debt. Compassion, acceptance and inclusion of our brothers and sisters who may not think, act, look or love a certain way are seriously at risk. Our nation will never be the same. Our place in the world will never be the same. We will survive. Keep your faith. Hold someone’s hand. Hug your children and keep your loved ones close.
And fight against the wall.
And fight against deporting 12,000,000 immigrants.
And fight against bullying.
And fight for freedom of the press.
And fight for liberty and justice for all.
I am not political, and deeply I do not fear. I do believe in the fight to which he speaks. That being said, I am also a Baha’i and I read this last night for guidance. It grounds me.
“[Baha’is] will not affiliate themselves with political parties, become entangled in partisan issues, or participate in programmes tied to the divisive agendas of any group or faction. At the same time, Bahá’ís respect those who, out of a sincere desire to serve their countries, choose to pursue political aspirations or to engage in political activity. The approach adopted by the Bahá’í community of non-involvement in such activity is not intended as a statement expressing some fundamental objection to politics in its true sense; indeed, humanity organizes itself through its political affairs. Bahá’ís vote in civil elections, as long as they do not have to identify themselves with any party in order to do so.” — The Universal House of Justice
and then…
“The betterment of the world can be accomplished through pure and goodly deeds; through commendable and seemly conduct.” — Baha’ullah
So, where am I going with this?
Earlier this week, I introduced the notion of SaD is Good on LinkedIn. In it, I offered up for contemplation and reflection… the virtues of Simplicity and Decisiveness. Simplicity demands of (and offers to) us…
- satisfaction with what we have, where and when we have it
- a true knowing of what we care most about
- a clearing of material, emotional and spiritual “clutter”
- a staying true to purpose, on course… and…
- an appreciation and enjoyment of life and the little things.
Decisiveness demands of (and offers to) us:
- courage to decide and act
- confidence in our choices
- the time and wisdom to discern our best decisions
- trust in our deepest truths … and…
- commitment to carry out our decisions.
What would that look like in waking this day, however and wherever we awoke? What would satisfaction and contentment look like and where would be its focus right now? What would knowing of what in which we truly believe look like? What would it look like to be unfazed and focused on that for which we have control (devoid of all forms of clutter) … staying on course with the courage, confidence and commitment to what we know is our best and most true decisions and purpose? What would it look like in our classrooms, schools, workplaces, businesses and communities? What would that look like in our conversations with others who might wonder of the future as well? Defining and answering these questions manifests and advances Simplicity and Decisiveness.
When I ponder…
When I ponder, “The betterment of the world can be accomplished through pure and goodly deeds; through commendable and seemly conduct.” … I think of Simplicity and Decisiveness. I think of that to which I am committed, personally and professionally. I think of that which burns within, regardless of the direction of the winds of change. I think of that which provides my best rudder. I think of my commitment at heart to advance character leadership and build inspired strength, unity, resourcefulness and excellence at school, work, business and community. I think of my love for speaking, dialoguing, training, facilitating, coaching, writing, singing, dancing, cartooning, gaming, and creating. I think of the fact that I still have that; and I still believe.
So, given the winds of change, how can Simplicity and Decisiveness best help you find your true rudder, in service and in joy. For me, I have my faith, my teaching, my work with Epic Engage™ and my love for music… and they are pure and goodly.
No Surrender
This is not about surrender (or even victory, if your vote was for Mr. Trump). It is about using what you got, being resourceful and strong. It is about finding yourself and your service or cause and your tribe, and riding it. What do you still have this morning, for you, that is pure and goodly? Find it. Embrace it. Follow it; and use it to serve, in joy. Make this, whoever or wherever you are and however you voted or did not, your SaD Day.
We will all get there.
Peace, passion and prosperity.
Barry Lewis Green, aka The Unity Guy™
PS
Barry is ultimately a vocalist, speaker, strength coach and educator. His work is about exploring, identifying, practicing and mastering our strengths and building upon them through practical and powerful unity and resourcefulness. That is why Barry is The Unity Guy™. EPIC Engage™ is an extension of The Unity Guy™. The Epic work is all about building strong, united and inspired cultures lead by character… at school, work and community; where everyone matters and contributes everyday.
PPS
- A TED Talk on Simplicity from 2010 and worth your time, me thinks. IMHO.
- Simple Man by Shinedown
- Abigail Washburn on simplicity and decisiveness
PPPS
Here are three additional books that might truly help with simplicity and decisiveness in career and beyond.
- The Path by Laurie Beth Jones
- What Color is Your Parachute? by Richard Bolles
- The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
PPPPS ?
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