Motivational Monday: The Audacity of Chutzpah

Happy Motivational Monday, friends. I hope you had a fun and relaxing weekend.  I spent a great deal of time with my family and watched the Golden Globes from start to finish, and boy am I glad I did because it was filled with so many moving and inspiring moments, and one in particular stands out most.

While watching Viola Davis’ beautiful introduction of Meryl Streep, I found myself growing extremely emotional, and couldn’t quite figure out why. Sure, Meryl (yes, we’re on a first-name basis) is a phenomenal actress, but there are so many others I adore just as much, if not more. Why were massive lumps forming in my throat? It wasn’t until Dame Streep stepped on stage, opened her mouth and stood in her truth that I discovered why: she used her win as a platform for something bigger than her, bigger than Hollywood, bigger than the film industry. She used her platform to share a message about justice, love, empathy, and respect and implored everyday viewers and public figures to take action against injustice, hate, discrimination, and the like, particularly during Trump’s pending presidency. And whether or not you agreed with her speech or approach, you have to admit she’s got chutzpah!

The thing about Meryl Streep is she’s a powerful woman who uses her power to affect positive social change that benefits all, not just some. She holds no punches and is courageous enough to say what should be said because, like Viola Davis said, Meryl Streep sees you…all of you, the good, the bad, the pain and the joy, and she’s not afraid to go “there,” wherever there might be at any given moment. She sees you regardless of your background or hers. She’s not afraid to show compassion and empathy, be bold and honest, or courageous and provocative.

Oftentimes we allow precious opportunities to stand for something float by because we worry people won’t like us, respect us, or will disagree with us, but, like Meryl, I implore you to do the hard thing and muster up the courage to be kind and compassionate, to see others as you see yourself, to put away your differences, pride, and fear. I encourage you to show some chutzpah and be a positive light in a world that can be so dark and ugly. You may not have a following. It may not turn into a major movement. You may not see the immediate fruits of your labor. And you know what? That’s okay. Sometimes it only takes one person to make a positive difference. Change starts with you!

Watch Meryl Streep’s inspiring speech below. Did you watch the Golden Globes? What were some of your favorite moments? Comment below!