Advice for managing the stress of the 2020 Election
Have patience. Let the process unfold. Spread peace in your community.
This week, we hosted on our CrisisIbility podcast, Tara Sonenshine, former Undersecretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs and currently Distinguished Fellow at the George Washington University School of Media and Public Affairs.
Our podcast is focused on finding possibility in the midst of crisis, and since COVID-19 swept the globe, we have been having regular conversations with leaders from around the world on how they approach crisis and what lessons, innovations, new processes, approaches, and mindsets are helpful to manage through the most difficult issues of our time. We are seeking to find optimism in the midst of despair.
I believe every American should watch or listen to the podcast with Tara before Election Day to hear her informed perspective and her advice for all Americans, no matter who we choose to vote for on November 3rd.
I was so impressed with Tara’s calming demeanor and her advice that in the middle of what can be called a crisis of democracy, take a breath, be patient and let the process unfold. Our democracy is based on process, and once the process results in a President, no matter who is elected, we will need to heal as a nation. Tara published an opinion piece in The Hill yesterday on the very topic of exercising patience with the voting process.
What I found most compelling is that Tara surfaces the opportunity we all have as Americans to to find our higher purpose as individuals and the work we have as a nation to restore humanity and grace, faith and community.
There is so much divisiveness, anger, hate, and fear running through the veins of our country right now. This is not the America any one of us want for our children. We must take it on ourselves to dig deep within our souls, look others who we do not agree with in the eyes and see the common humanity within.
It may sound like I am living in a utopian state. I am not. I am living in America, and I want to live in a country that is fueled by compassion, love, and empathy for all Americans. I want to love my neighbor as I love myself.
I know that right now many of us are anxious and upset. Right now it is so very hard to try to love those who hate what we might represent or despise any one of us for what we may or may not believe. Let’s forgive one another. Let’s offer our neighbors grace. Let’s offer ourselves grace.
Healing our nation starts with each one of us. We can find common ground, common hope.
Please listen to our podcast and be part of the healing of the nation. Let’s take Tara’s well-placed advice and have patience on Tuesday and let the process unfold.
