In 2021, how will you generate light or turn up the heat?

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This time of year is one of my favorites. Even though it looked very different this year than any other year I still savored the music, the movies, and, of course, the food. Every season I revel in the light and warmth of the season. In my house we celebrate both Chanukah and Christmas. There is something magical about the dancing flames of a menorah and the steady glow of lights from the tree. The creation of light during the darkest days of the year is magical to me. I also value the literal warmth that comes from light. Where I live it can get cold in the winter. I bought a fake fireplace where light dances across “logs” and I can turn the electric heater on to get heat. As much as I would love to cozy up next to a real fireplace (preferably the one at my parents’ house) this is a satisfying alternative. I have been thinking about light and heat both literally and metaphorically for the past few months. 

Light and heat as a metaphor comes from one of the last books I read this year. My friend Rephael (if you’re reading this, “Hi!”) recommended that our book group read “The Person You Mean to Be; How Good People Fight Bias” by Dorothy Chugh. For many reasons it was one of the best books I read this year. Chugh uses a science-based approach to help us move from “believers” in equality, diversity and inclusion to “builders” who stand up for those values and be the person we mean to be. 

In the preface Chugh shared the light and heat metaphor. In order for us to be builders we need both light and heat. She provided a personal example telling us that she reread Dr. King’s 1963 Letter from Birmingham Jail where he spoke of the “appalling silence of good people.” She thought of herself as a good person and did not want to be silent. This led her to gather up her friends and family to attend a Black Lives Matter protest. What she came to discover about herself, as she depicts rather humorously, is that she is not a very good protestor. 

She believes protests are an essential part of building a better world. They turn up the heat. Sociologist Herbert Haines studies how radical ideology can actually enhance funding for mainstream organizations. For example, during the civil rights movement moderate Black organizations saw an increase in donations when radical Black movements emerged. 

I have always thought I was more of a fire breather myself. I am definitely one to bring the heat. But heat needs its necessary partner, light. Chugh saw herself as someone who was better at the skills that generate light such as, talking with people, asking good questions, listening and learning new perspectives. There are opportunities to create light everywhere－your home, your workplace, and your community. 

2020 has been a year unlike any other. Personally, I feel like it is time to turn up the heat. The injustice towards citizens and the criminal behavior of our elected officials is horrifying. We are a society without leaders. Those with the most power do not have to be held accountable and the rules that we all abide by do not apply to the elite. Do we consider this normal? 

As someone who typically approaches building a better world through heat I realized, while reading the book, that I can do a better job building through light. I shared with you in October I launched my blog on Positive Citizenship. I thought one way I can generate light is by engaging in conversation through the written word. I am much less confrontational when there is no one immediately responding back ;) 

I recently wrote a post called, “The Absence of the Virus Doesn’t Equal Wellness.” The premise is that we can’t mistake what we don’t want for what we DO want. When COVID-19 ends, if life returns to “normal” that wouldn’t be success, that would be settling. Settling for an unsustainable future for our planet, and for our lives. Settling for a society that treats people with contempt rather than dignity. 

In order to change the trajectory of our society it will require courage from us, ordinary citizens. 

As the end of 2020 comes closer, when you look back at this year, what comes into focus? What are your values? Your beliefs? How do you stand up for what you believe in? What spark has been lit inside of you? 

As we move into 2021, how will you generate light or turn up the heat? 

Sharing is caring.

• Do you strive to be a better person? Check out Dolly Chugh's, "The Person you Mean to Be; How Good People Fight Bias" for your first book of 2021.
• I would love if you could take a moment to read (and share!) my piece The Absence of the Virus Doesn't Equal Wellness. I believe it was the most important piece I wrote all year. 

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