My son’s baseball team had lost a hard-fought tournament championship game.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes as the head of the organization spoke about the lessons the boys were learning through baseball:

• Hard work,

• Competing through hardship, and

• Honesty.

Yet the winning team had been caught - twice - using illegal bats that weekend. This man had allowed them to advance regardless.

That didn’t mean we deserved to win. But the other team didn’t deserve to be in that game (another team should have taken their place).

I doubt it even occurred to him how hypocritical his speech was.

Which brings me to my bigger (societal) point...

We lament how a certain former President acts on social media yet think it’s fine to dox those we don’t like. We’re quick to point out hypocrisy on the other side of the political or religious aisle while making excuses for our own side’s improper behavior.

And yes, "we".

We all do this to some extent because:

• We are human.

• We are fallible.

• We excuse.

It's a natural part of being human.

And yes, I understand that there are some who are much, much worse than others. But that has no bearing on your behavior (does it?).

Some people believe that if only one specific person would win the US Presidential election, then everything will get better (how have we not learned this lesson already??).

Others think that if only we had two different Presidential candidates, things would magically change.

There's a problem with this thinking.

Our leaders are a reflection of where the majority is (or is willing to put up with). Changing society - and our leaders - for the better begins with each individual.

Individuals who are willing to:

• Stand for something.

• Be in the minority.

• Not "win" (at least not be seen as winning in the short-term).

I am committed to doing and being better.

How about you, Friend?

If yes, then here is a good starting point:

Listen openly, seeking to understand (not argue, convince or judge).

As discussed in this email a few weeks ago (which bears reiterating in this context), don’t judge others based on YOUR experiences, beliefs and values.

Instead, seek to understand where they’re coming from.

This will open the door to compassion and acceptance - a necessary step to changing society for the better.

Hold yourself to a higher standard.

This includes your behavior (of course). But don't stop there.

Demand better behavior of others, including political leaders you often - or occasionally believe to be on "your side" (no excuse-making when they do wrong, no matter how much your human brain wants to).

Be open about what you're doing (asking others to do the same).

Engage friends and family members in actual conversation around what you’re doing and why. Ask them to do the same.

I know what I’m asking of you is hard.

But having character isn’t about doing what’s easy, it’s about doing what’s right. And it’s the ONLY way to start changing our world for the better.

XO,

Heather