Amanda Gorman, "The Hill We Climb"

By now, most of the world is familiar with the poem, “The Hill We Climb,” By Amanda Gorman, the first National Youth Poet Laureate.

Climbing the Hill

Amanda does an amazing job in articulating the journey we Americans, as a collective people, are on. She conveys a key skill in embodying leadership: communicating a clear vision. While she paints the picture of our struggles, she is optimistic of our possibilities, and challenges us to take ownership of tackling what lies before us: to climb the metaphorical hill of  creating and recreating an alive, relevant democracy. This union has the purpose of composing “a country committed to all cultures, colors, characters, and conditions of man.”

Lofty Purpose

This is a lofty purpose – and yet it is what we set out to do almost 250 years ago. We are in the great modern experiment. We experienced in the last few weeks and years just how fragile democracy can be.

A New Beginning

It’s a time of new beginnings: the start of a new year, a new administration, and the promise of a new vaccine to curb one of our national crises. It’s easier to have hope when things are new, before we are tainted or become cynical in the midst of something in process.

The Promise & The Work

As with any new beginning, the new administration holds potential. And the time is now for us to go deeper in realizing what is standing in the way of getting closer to a more equitable country for all. While we await what changes our policy makers will make, each of us, as Americans, are empowered to be the change we seek: to build bridges within our own circle of influence.

The Possibility of Light

In the words of Amanda: “For there is always light, If only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.”

Braving A Way Forward

We are only brave if there is danger (real or perceived). We are only courageous if we have fear and “do it anyway.” Where do you see danger? Where are you afraid? What bridges can you build nevertheless? What difference can you make, even if only in your family, your organization, your neighborhood or your community. Each difference has a ripple effect.

Action

Answer and act on one of the following questions: How would you describe the hill you are climbing in your life? Where can you challenge yourself this week to speak up and make a difference? Where can you take a step to overcome a fear? Where can you create a more welcoming environment with your co-workers, people you lead at work or in your community?