Ode to Joe, Kamala, Doug, and Stacey (Post-election effervescence)
GOOOOD MORNING AMERICA! I woke up this morning well rested — I knew I was anxious last week but oh boy, am I effervescent and spirited now! It feels like the layer of a heavy blanket is lifted. It feels like I finally have my body scrubbed at a Korean spa. I feel lighter puckishly and giddy with relief. I am taking that big collective exhale.
Seeing that we have a new leader who has the decency, calls for healing of the soul of our nation and the unity of America gives me hope and makes me so proud of the people in this country. As a coach, I am particularly astonished, and frankly inspired, by Joe Biden’s audacity and authenticity to use the word “healing” as a cornerstone of his presidential campaign. The healing work will never be easy and far from being “perfect”. Like a lot of things in life, it is the journey, not just the destination, that matters. The journey is an accumulation of these moments, this very fleeting moment. So it is about how we are present to attune to this moment, set our best intention, and unfold with compassion. Healing involves extending genuine care for others, those disappointed, those marginalized, those who are suffering, those unfortunate. And of course care for the community, the nature, and for the earth. So how do we continue to extend care to all of these so we see them and love them even when it is so easy not to love?
Yes, seeing Kamala Harris as the first Vice President as a woman of color is so deeply inspiring (CA represent!) What is equally inspiring is her husband, Doug Emhoff, who loves her, is so proud of her, and gives her whatever supports she needs. As a white, male partner at a prestigious law firm, he put his career aside (along with his male ego) so he can be there for her. Seeing this kind of partnership between two highest performing individuals makes me feel excited and hopeful. This makes me wonder how I can be my version of Kamala achieving my highest expression? And how do I support my partner so he achieves his highest self while we mutually nurture each other?
There are many unsung heros who made this election result possible, including the USPS workers. My hero is Stacey Abrams. I feel motivated by and indebted for her tireless dedication in helping people register to vote in Georgia so the marginalized voices are heard to create the future that they deserve. This involved knocking on many doors as well as hearing as many “No”. This work may have been tedious and difficult. She had just lost the GA governor election and with her Yale JD degree, she could have been far more comfortable. However, she did not let her disappointment stop her. She was not jaded or discouraged. Instead, she channeled all these as a powerful energy to mobilize people and turned Georgia blue — If it weren’t PA, this would have been critical for the win. She made the impossible possible because she believes in her path. It is this clarity, conviction, and courage of hers that makes Stacey my hero.
So here’s my ode to Joe, Kamala, Doug, and Stacey in my post-election effervescence. I am hopeful for our healing journey individually and collectively. I believe in our new leaders to continue to guide us with light, care, and wisdom.
