Issue 50
Oh the Outrage
What can I say, I’m a passionate person. People working in social impact tend to be. Our care and empathy runs deep and propels us forward. It’s a good thing.
And it makes sense that there are things in this world that really get my blood boiling.
- Scapegoating
- Oppression
- Greed
- Cruelty
- Injustice
When I witness these behaviors, especially in leadership, I feel the pulse in my hands, my stomach clenches, and my shoulders tighten. The feeling of outrage is real and physical.
When I take a moment to notice what’s going on inside my body I can begin to regain my footing instead of being sweep away in my emotions. I breathe and seek to reconnect with why this makes me upset. I breathe again.
As a life philosophy, I choose to be rooted in love, compassion, and understanding, especially in a world often sweep up in outrage and fear.
No doubt there are serious issues of injustice that need to be addressed at all levels of leadership. We must work with our emotions – utilizing their wisdom, releasing what is not serving us, and powerfully choosing emotions and mindsets we want to lead from.
Our leadership power grows when we notice the emotion and response with thoughtfulness instead of simply reacting.
Reflection Questions:
- What energy and mindset do I want to lead from?
- How often do I find myself in the emotion of outrage?
- How much energy is spent on that single emotion?
CHOOSING TO ENGAGE with less OUTRAGE
Did you know, that communities that are more civically engaged have better health outcomes? This makes sense based on what I know about brain science and human needs. When we take responsibility for what we CAN do, no matter how big or small, we strength our sense of autonomy. AND when we remember that our actions impact those around us our sense of community is strengthened. Autonomy and Community are essential to our mental wellbeing. So, if you have the privilege of voting in the US election in 10 days, join me and vote.
DON’T MISS THE FINAL MASTERCLASS OF 2025. Register on Eventbrite for this FREE ONLINE CLASS. Thursday Nov. 7 at 12pm CST
What do you think? Do you feel the weight of toxic responsibility? Understanding our deep relationship with responsibility can unlock a more joyful and empowered way to lead.
RESOURCE COURNER
Podcast
Hidden Brain: Screaming Into The Void: How Outrage Is Hijacking Our Culture, And Our Minds
Book
Mónica Guzmán‘s book, I never thought of it that Way is a guide for How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times
Video
Dr. Dan Siegel – Understand the importance of getting out of the threat mode, to avoid burnout and continue social activist work with sustainable energy.
be well, Sonya
Curious what other leadership concepts could use a reframe in your life? Book a discovery call to explore how taking responsibility of your personal leadership journey is the best think you can do.