None of us would ever want to be judged by our worst moments.

People are complex. We have good times and bad. Especially under pressure, in times of stress. We mis-speak, we make mistakes. We are not as good as our best moments, and we are not as bad as our worst.

This is not to say that we can't or shouldn't be held accountable for our actions, even at our worst moments; but they don't define who we are. If someone commits a crime, they need to face the consequences, but it doesn't define them as a person. If someone says something rude, uncaring or ignorant, they should be called on it; but it doesn't define them as a person. We are so much more than a single event.

I think everyone has had the experience of being disappointed by a hero; by someone that they looked up to, who then let them down, because that person was not defined by one shining moment in the sun, either. There are countless examples. Just a couple of days ago, Drew Brees said some things that offended many, including some of his teammates and friends (he has since apologized and tried to learn from his mistake). Several years ago Tiger Woods had a spectacular (and spectacularly public) fall from grace. But even that did not define him as a person, and we saw just last year a great comeback from both personal and professional setbacks.

Now, more than ever, hold a high standard, AND give grace. Value people. Add value to people. Focus on good and desired outcomes. And always, breathe.