In times of heightened emotions and social tension, it's easy to feel powerless. But here's what I want you to remember: each of us has the power to help create the world we want to live in. Our strong emotions - whether they're anger, anxiety, or frustration - aren't obstacles to overcome. They're messengers pointing us toward what matters and where we might direct our energy for change.

Let's explore how to transform these powerful feelings into meaningful action.

How to transform strong emotions into bold action

Step One: Honor the Message

When strong emotions arise, resist the urge to push them away or label them as "negative." Instead, get curious. What is this emotion really about? If you're feeling angry, what specific situation or issue is triggering that anger? If anxiety is keeping you up at night, what future outcome are you worried about? Don't focus on getting rid of the emotion - focus on understanding its message. Our feelings remind us of our values, and they often point us toward the issues that need our attention most.

Step Two: Clarify the Call

Once you understand what's driving your emotions, it's time to get specific about what change you want to see. If you're angry about inequality in your community, what specific aspect could you help address? If you're anxious about the direction of certain initiatives in our society, what outcomes would you like to see instead? Move from vague concern to clear vision. Identify where your energy might make a meaningful difference.

Step Three: Channel into Action

This is where emotion becomes impact. Ask yourself: What resources do I have to contribute to this cause? Maybe you have time to volunteer, skills to share, money to donate, or a voice to raise. Perhaps there's a local group already working on this issue that needs support. Or maybe you're the person to start something new. The size of the action doesn't matter – what matters is that a concrete action is taken. Even small actions, when aligned with our values and combined with others' efforts, can create significant change.

The goal is never to wait until we feel calm or certain before acting. It's to use our emotional energy as fuel for meaningful change. When enough people do this - when we each take responsibility for creating the change we wish to see - remarkable transformations become possible.

One thing to ask yourself:

"What emotion has been asking for my attention lately, and what might it be telling me about where I could make a difference?"

One thing to try:

This week, when you feel a strong emotion about something happening in society, don't push it away. Instead, use this framework to identify one concrete action you can take to help create the change you wish to see.

Until next week,

Lauren

P.S. Stay tuned for an exciting announcement! Coming soon: A powerful 28-day nervous system reboot designed to transform your leadership confidence from the inside out. More details to follow in future issues.