Together We Stand

Fellow Americans: If you are reading this, in all likelihood we have a shared a common core experience together. Sometimes we reminisce, and I am always shocked at how different our memories are of events decades ago. Take a moment and ask yourself why? Do you know why two warriors fighting side by side on the battlefield, experiencing the same trauma, can come home... with one living under an overpass, and another elected to Congress? Post Traumatic Stress or any other mental health condition did not start on the battlefield.? There are two things that all humans need: A feeling of connection and safety. The divisiveness that has led us up to this pivotal moment, should end with our collective focusing on fostering our community with these two basic needs.? Right now, about 49% of our population are experiencing a disconnect and many do not feel safe. The premise of the "Pursuit of Happiness" attaches us to an outcome. An outcome that is outside of our control. I am also acutely aware of the fact that the details of our experiences fade, what remains stems from the subconscious and overlays unprocessed emotion from our past. If you are not feeling at peace at this very moment, find someone (or dog) to help correlate your central nervous system.? I was born a white male with blonde hair and blue eyes. I personally don't see any threat to any pivots one way or another politically. "All men are created equal" -Thomas Jefferson. This was way ahead of even this era, but I'm not sure anyone has really taken this to heart from our collective society. The reason I am right down the middle politically, is that I know enough about my ancestors to realize that their actions range across the entire spectrum of issues that we are facing today. (A few of my direct ancestors died fighting the Russians in the late 1700's in Crimea). Interesting huh? History repeats itself, until we agree on what truth is.? I am human, and I too have boundaries... lines in the sand that, if crossed, cause me to distance myself out of self preservation. I have no control over the algorithms of disinformation rampant in today's culture, but I do have complete control of who and what I interact with digitally. I often see people reposting someone else's point of view, making me think that is how they feel, however, I know that a majority of them would never say that to my face. Some have crossed the line, and can no longer read this, and it is unfortunate. Responses of "unfriending" have often shifted to them taking a "victim" mentality, or calls about "Karen" or "snowflake" etc. I truly wish them well, but there are too many others out there that desire true connection, and those are the few that will have a seat at my table when the music stops for me. Just be advised moving forward that my focus will be on those that dedicate themselves to connection and safety. I am not removing anyone to insulate myself. Going forward, I will remove anyone that continue to divide us. It ends today. We are at a "wait and see" pivotal moment in our history.? I have had the good fortune to have been mentored along the way by incredible leaders. People like?Scott Mann, who is using his knowledge and experience for good.?Kymberlee Weil, who has taught me the power of story?Storytelling School. Stoic philosophy lessons from my Greek friends.??Diego Feldmann Hernandez, who has been instrumental in guiding me into a leadership position, which is a long, long, way from where he found me. Above all, my wife of 23 years,?Amber Watt, and my two sons that have stuck with me through all of the highs and lows.? What are you doing to cement your legacy for others to reflect on to improve the lives of people you will never meet? I love this country and am proudly waiving the RED, WHITE, and BLUE today, because those colors represent the sacrifices only known to us today, by the legacy they left.? My body is aging quickly, and I accept the fact that this experience will not go on forever. I do not think about heaven or hell or what comes next because I know that I leave all of this behind. This gives me a sense of urgency to pivot and pivot and pivot with an alignment of Mind Body and Spirit.?

Who wants to be a part of the solution? I live for feedback and I love dissenting views.