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I'VE BEEN THINKING
 

Have you ever had one of those weeks where no matter how hard you try to stay upbeat, cheery and positive, you just can’t?

Of course you have. That’s what this past week felt like for me, too.

This was one of those weeks where the news unfolded so rapidly that it was hard to keep up. It was hard to stop shaking your head; hard to not complain; hard to actually believe what was happening. It was hard to know exactly what to do.

I spoke to folks who were glued to the news and social media. They were dissecting it in real time trying to figure out what it all meant. Meanwhile, others I spoke to said they just couldn't bear any of it and turned away.

In the world we live in today, it can be hard sometimes to see a clear path ahead. Few things feel certain anymore. These are confusing times, for sure.

It's hard to know what to think when everything seems to be changing more rapidly than it takes to form a new thought. That’s why during times like these, I try and spend time away from the noise so that I can properly formulate my own thoughts.

I reach out to those whom I respect — people who I feel can offer perspective and who can remind me that we’ve been here before. (Tom Brokaw is one example. You can read his thoughts below.) I also read and/or listen to others whose words and thoughts lift me up and focus my mind on the positive. That's not being naive. It’s simply acknowledging that there are issues unfolding around us and that we can choose how we respond. 

I've lived through tumultuous times before. Assassinations. The turbulent ‘60s. Vietnam. Watergate. A president's resignation. Iran Contra. 9/11…the list goes on.

I've learned that the will of the people trumps the mightiest of power players. I've also learned that unraveling takes time. So does clarity. 

Give yourself permission to step away. Breathe. Ask yourself: “What do I think?” Turn to those with wisdom who have seen it all and who have lived to tell it. Stay attuned to the news, but don't allow yourself to become consumed by it, either.

Know that this will not be resolved today or tomorrow, but it will be resolved.

So, find your resolve. Focus on what good you can do in your own life, or for your country that so desperately needs it. Our nation needs what we have to offer. It needs for us to turn down the volume, calm the “he said, she said,” and look forward to a future that’s more united than divided. I think we can all agree that we deserve a future that's brighter than darker, more compassionate than critical, and more honest than what we have today.

I'm focused on moving us forward and uniting us. Will you join me?

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NEWS ABOVE THE NOISE

THE POWER OF A FREE PRESS

On a week like the one we just had, it can certainly be equal parts interesting and exhausting to watch news break by the minute. But, it's also important to take a moment to reflect on all of the important work that's being done by our nation's journalists.

The Washington Post was the first to break news this week that President Trump revealed classified information to Russian officials. The New York Times and Buzzfeed confirmed soon thereafter. In the days that have followed, every major outlet has stayed on top of developments and added depth and context as more information has been revealed. On Friday, The Washington Post broke another story, this one that a senior White House official is being investigated as part of the probe into the Trump campaign's ties to Russia. Meanwhile, The New York Times uncovered that Trump told Russian officials that James Comey was a "nut job" and that firing him had relieved "great pressure."


This isn't the type of story that's cracked overnight or that is complete when a paper goes to press. This type of work materializes after weeks of hard reporting, source-building, and staying on the case. The story will continue to develop in the days and weeks that follow.

The press has never taken such a beating, but it's also never done such quality work. In the words of our founding father Thomas Jefferson, "No government ought to be without censors, and where the press is free, no one ever will."
 

"THERE IS NO HUMANITY WITHOUT EDUCATION" 
 
Amidst all of the political noise, may we remember that we are also in the middle of graduation season — a time of new beginnings for so many.

In the coming weeks, we'll be hearing speeches from a myriad of leaders and thinkers. President Trump has delivered two addresses so far: one at Liberty University and another at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. Bill Clinton gave one of his own last week at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. Billie Jean King, Mark Zuckerberg, and the Dalai Lama are among the others who will also be speaking in the days to come.

One of our favorites so far comes from Grammy Award-winning musician Pharrell Williams. Williams, who spoke at New York University last week, praised the graduates' generation for challenging how the world sees social issues, especially how it approaches equal rights for women. What he recognized and honored was that progress is good for all. Check out his speech below.
A TECH INNOVATION THAT COULD HELP MILLIONS WITH DIABETES

Here's a promising story out of Silicon Valley: Apple CEO Tim Cook and his team are testing a noninvasive glucose monitor device that could be connected to the Apple Watch.

CNBC reported on Thursday that Cook was recently spotted wearing the prototype glucose tracker. He has previously spoken about Apple's commitment to innovations in the health space and noted that it's an area where he's "very excited" about his company's contributions.

This is an innovation that, if realized, could help millions. That's something to celebrate.

VIEWS: PASSIONATE VOICES/POWERFUL PERSPECTIVES

"Pace Yourself. Go For a Walk.'" — Tom Brokaw

Perhaps no one has seen it all and lived to tell about it more than my friend and fellow journalist Tom Brokaw. He was kind enough to share his thoughts with us this week on how to maintain perspective in the 24/7 news cycle we live in today. 

1-MINUTE READ: BROKAW'S TIPS FOR FAST-PACED TIMES

"The News Would Have Us Believe That Tragedy Is Everywhere. It's Not.'" — Jaimal Yogis

As author Jaimal Yogis reminds us, acts of kindness are happening around the world every day. The more we can appreciate the little things today, the more our positivity will be passed along to others as well.

3-MINUTE READ: SIX WAYS TO FIND JOY IN THE WORLD TODAY
"The Dignity and Stability of Government In All Its Branches, the Morals of the People, and Every Blessing of Society Depend So Much Upon an Upright and Skillful Administration of Justice." — John Adams, 1776
It's worth taking a moment today to appreciate the foundation laid for us by our founding fathers. While the checks and balances they put into place have been mightily tested, we have seen proof this week that they do still work.

These men are some of the original Architects of Change. They challenged what was, imagined something different, and then created it. What they built still works, and we're lucky to have it.

READ: AMERICA'S FOUNDING DOCUMENTS

A SUNDAY REFLECTION

A dear friend of mine shared these words from Clarissa Pinkola Estés a few months ago. They came to my mind this week amidst all of the news, so I share them with you today. These words come from an essay Estés wrote called "Letter to a Young Activist During Troubled Times."

A THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK AHEAD

YOU'RE INVITED


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