This was the theme of the University of Arizona’s memorial service last Wednesday in the wake of the Tucson, AZ shootings on January 8. President Obama’s speech was moving, inspirational and filled with important messaging on how we should treat our fellow human beings.  I cried, cheered and felt chills throughout it all.  This was one of his finest moments.  Now the healing begins in Tucson and nationwide.

It saddens me that it seems to take tragedy to bring our community and nation together. What if each of us took the responsibility to be our best every day? What if each of us chose to see the good in people instead of the bad? What if we agreed to disagree with fervor but not with violence? What if we became a community of human beings wanting the best for each other?

I really like University of Arizona’s theme “Together We Thrive.”  One of my mottos in wellness coaching and my personal life is “thrive in forward movement.”  Let’s improve our connection to others by being our best selves every day.  Let’s stand collectively in the face of good, not just bad, and together we will thrive!