The MOM call last night was really powerful and supportive of me. Thank you all. Today a Facebook memory came up that related to how we love others, even the most challenging others, including the ways they are very different from us. This was from March 19, 2020, just after the pandemic began (and I was a month into ML). "I have some sad news to share. A month ago, when we were all living in a different world, my dear, shining friend Fiona Heckscher, died. It was an accident while rock climbing in Utah. She fell in such a way her safety gear did not save her. She was brought home and her family was able to have a private memorial for her before things went into lockdown. I’m grateful they had that time to be together before it was necessary we all keep apart. Her loss is a loss to all of us. Literally, of all the people I’ve ever known, I cannot think of a more loving soul than Fiona. She loved the WORLD. Everyone. Even people she had never known and would never know. Her work on Capitol Hill, as a non-partisan lawyer who helped craft legislation such that it would be clear and concise, put her into contact with all sorts of people. She worked to see the best in every one of them. I wish to share a conversation we had one time that illustrates this: We were at a gathering of friends and the talk had turned political. I don’t recall exactly what I said, but I’m pretty sure it was close to, “Fuck Mitch McConnell! He’s a hypocritical piece of shit.” (Whatever you think about that statement, I’m going to tell you it was not my finest moment.) Fiona stepped in close to me, placed her hand on my arm gently, and said, “Dear one, I love you. And I can hear the frustration in your voice. As you know, I have no political opinions (this was something she said often, and with a wink). If I did, they would probably not line up with Mitch McConnell’s. But I have met him in person. And he was very kind to me. And I got the impression he was doing his best to do what he felt was right. So do you think it would be possible for you not to hate him?”

Link in comments :)

I just looked at my Facebook memories and his one popped up today. I think it's the PERFECT thing to read after our call tonight. No coincidences!

You don’t need permission, you need ownership. Conscious leaders don’t wait for better timing, better moods, or better circumstances. They choose the time. Power isn’t in control, it’s in response-ability. Stop asking “Why is this happening?” Start asking, “How am I meant to lead here?” Lead from within, always...

What is one of the most underrated leadership skills? one of my favs is "Listen. Leave your ego at the door"