We just experienced a momentous occasion in the United States, and I woke up today with new hope and a sense of possibility.
Personally, as an immigrant and a woman who comes from a Muslim family, I feel so much relief.
We came way too close to losing our democracy.
To my BIPOC members, clients and readers, I am celebrating for you and with you.
I’m still processing a lot as I’m sure many of you are. I want this moment to sink in – to fully feel the change. And I want to make a plan to move forward in a way that will have the greatest impact.
For now, I want to share what’s on my mind and in my heart. I’d also love to hear from you.
How can we stay more accountable to our words and our values?
Knowing your values and truly living them matters.
This is how you make the difficult choices with conviction whether it’s choosing the career path that requires you to take a risk, when and how to stand up for injustice or speaking your truth – no matter how much criticism you’ll receive.
Difficult choices require courage.
And courage comes from having a strong sense of self. Knowing and being connected to your beliefs.
What are your values?
Are you living them in many areas of your life as best as you can given your circumstances?
How are you staying accountable to those values?
For example, if compassion is a core value of yours, how are you showing up with compassion in:
- your work,
- your personal life,
- how you spend your money,
- how you vote and the politics you embody,
- how you show up after this election
Consistency matters.
None of us are perfect but I believe knowing our values and living them is something that’s worth aiming for.
How will you work on your healing?
“It’s time for America to heal.”
I loved Biden’s message of unity. It’s something we sorely need given the divisiveness and division.
Before we can unite, we need to heal. These past four years caused a lot of trauma and brought to light the stark differences in our country.
I’m not sure what healing for me personally looks like yet.
I know I want to continue listening to BIPOC voices and marginalized groups.
I know I want to continue working on my own values and doing the best I can to show up.
I know I want to engage in conversations to encourage healing and unity.
I promise you, thinking about the impact Work Bigger is making both on an individual and systemic scale is at the top of my agenda.
How will you take action?
Action is strongly tied to motivation. Are you motivated by fear or possibility?
Meaning…when Trump became President were you motivated to take action because of fear of what could be?
Or now that Biden is President are you motivated because you see what’s possible?
Either one is ok. And you may even be motivated by a mix of both.
For me personally, success is a huge motivator. It shows me what’s possible again and again.
One thing I learned from this election is that every single vote counted and therefore any effort we make matters.
Whichever motivates you is ok. Just use that energy. That’s what’s most important, and that’s what ultimately drives change.
I’d love to hear from you.
How are you doing? How are you processing?
With Love,
Belma
