Like so many of us, I was horrified by the news. I sat stunned, watching MSNBC, trying to make sense. But there is no sense in such killing. Just pain and confusion, sadness and fury.
I had all the same instincts most of us had: Watch every minute, then turn away in disgust. Rail against who or what I believe responsible. Thoughts and prayers. Feeling bereft.
And then that moment when you try to get back to work or the kids or whatever the day was supposed to bring and find yourself trapped. Can’t go forward, can’t turn back. That’s when I knew for sure.
This is a transformative moment.
Not just for the survivors and those close to the events in Las Vegas, but anyone, everyone who is moved by what’s happened.
And what we do next is very important.
It’s normal to feel angry or sad or helpless. And it’s normal to want to turn away from such feelings. But that’s exactly what we cannot do. Those feelings are the catalysts for change. If we numb out, everything stays the same.
So instead of turning away from the sadness or fury you feel, use it. Ask yourself, who am I willing to become?
Because if we don’t use this moment to become bigger, braver, better than we’ve been before, than the horror will be only that — horror.
But if we seize this moment, it can be horror and. There is good that can come out of this. Tangible, permanent, meaningful good.
And to be clear, I’m not just talking about gun sense legislation. That’s a worthy change, in my opinion, but it’s not the only good that can come of this. The possibilities are endless and very personal.
Who can you and I become in response to this tragedy? How can we grow? What better version of ourselves can we each bring into the world? Because a better, braver, bigger version of you and me matters.
In whatever way — in your own way — be the good that comes out of this. That’s how the world gets better.