I was in the election night crowd at The Jacob Javits Center, hoping to be part of an historic moment to celebrate America’s first female President. The unexpected outcome makes this a sad and confusing time for me and others who helped Hillary Clinton win the popular vote. I awoke the morning after to the sound of sobbing from a dear friend who flew in for what we both thought would be a joyful celebration.
In trying to comfort her, I found the words to comfort myself. I told her that, at the end of the day, no matter who the President is, I will continue to live my life’s purpose, which I determined 14 years ago in the aftermath of 9/11: “To choose joy in my life every single day, to be mindful of that joy, and to share that joy with others.”
The outcome of this election will not alter that purpose, which changed the trajectory of my life, leading me on an exciting and unexpected journey that continues to this day. My aspirational purpose, then and now, captures what matters most to me and how I am using my talents, expertise and passion to serve other people and our planet.
I will continue to “choose joy” and, in this instance, to revel in the good that has resulted from this historic Presidential campaign. One good thing is that I feel connected to the large community of people who want an America that is “hopeful, inclusive and big-hearted” as Hillary Clinton said in her gracious concession speech. I am “mindful of the joy” I have, which includes being grateful for an “American dream that is big enough for everyone.” And, I am committed to “sharing that joy with others” and to doing my part in building that “better, stronger America we seek.”
Living my purpose means that I will continue to serve as a volunteer and vocal advocate for organizations like Girl Scouts (the largest, girl-serving organization dedicated to leadership development), Dancing Classrooms (which brings ballroom dance into public elementary and middle schools as an effective social and emotional learning program) and The Phelophepa Train of Hope in South Africa (delivering primary health care services to remote regions of the country) whose important work helps to create a more joyful planet.
Living my purpose also means that I will continue to work with individuals and organizations through my consultancy, Joyful Planet, and help them discover and live their purpose to unleash greater success, fulfillment and joy in their lives and in their workplaces. I believe that living your purpose is the best way to achieve your most heartfelt goals and dreams in the most efficient and focused way and, importantly, to help us navigate life’s most challenging moments such as this post-election period.
I know that my clients, whomever they voted for in this Presidential election, will continue to live meaningful, purpose-driven lives to fulfill not just the promise of their own lives, but that of America. Here are some of the beautiful and inspiring life purpose statements that capture what some of my clients are doing to make life better for themselves and others:
- My purpose in life is to help women and girls become strong, confident leaders who make the world a better place. —A non-profit executive
- My purpose in life is to be a fearless hunter of opportunities to help loved ones succeed. —CEO & Founder of a thriving online professional community
- My purpose in life is to be an advocate for environmental issues by using my business expertise to help my own company, “green” start-ups and non-profits who are committed to protecting our environment to succeed. —CFO of a non-green company
- My purpose in life is to be a trusted friend and advisor to all, helping people to accomplish their most heart-felt goals and dreams. —A wealth management advisor
- My purpose in life is to help businesses and individuals be their most powerful selves through clear, strong messaging and branding. —A marketing & branding agency owner
- My purpose in life is to be fearless in addressing and eliminating inequities by bridging the gap between organizations and the communities they serve. —A community activist
- My purpose in life is to continually challenge myself to make the world’s knowledge more easily accessible and understandable through bold, exciting design that not only educates, but inspires! —A designer in the education space
- My purpose in life is to spark a movement to create systemic change that will improve the health of children. —A non-profit CEO
- My purpose in life is to love and to be loved. —A C-Suite PR agency executive
- My purpose in life is to be inspired by a Franciscan Charism of Continuous Conversion and guided by The Gospels, to share the good of God’s love and help others live fearlessly in this love. —A Franciscan brother
- My purpose in life is to create opportunities for myself and others to grow, to savor dear friendships, and to always make time for laughter and merriment! —An M&A executive
- My purpose is to help people see aspects of life that might be unseen by them, including the beauty of our endangered environment. —A 19-year old college student and photography major
I wish our President-Elect Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton much peace, love and joy in the weeks and months ahead as they work to make America even stronger and greater! And, my wish to all is to live your life’s purpose and leverage your unique talents and gifts to help create the stronger and greater America that we aspire to be.