[Originally shared on LinkedIn on November 6, 2024, the day after the U.S. election.]

It’s perhaps ironic that, as a communications professional, I find it extremely challenging to conjure up the right words to say in times like these. I am deeply heavy-hearted at the outcome of this U.S. election and what it means for so many of the people and issues I care about — the environment, community and connection, safe and affordable housing, healthy people and healthy families, vibrant economies, welcoming immigrants and refugees, bridging our differences, the dignity of every human being, and justice, justice, justice.

So much is at stake. So much is in jeopardy. Yet, all I want to do is be silent and sit with my grief.

But today, I was reminded of the power of communication, in whatever form it comes through — public speaking, writing, music, art, poetry, storytelling — to shift hearts and minds. That is the task we have before us as we continue the work of building a better world.

Never before have the divisions in our country and our world been made so stark and apparent. The only way to overcome them is to speak truth, to speak love, and to speak up. Communication that builds bridges and builds connection must be grounded in mindfulness, compassion, and above all else love. I do believe that this is humanity’s true calling — to build a social order based on love. I, for my part, commit to being an instrument of that calling in all that I do.

I hope you’ll join me.

Here is a short, meditative story, so aptly timed in its sharing, that can ground us in the work ahead.

Onward…