This week I thought so much. Not unusual. In fact, my mind is often jam-packed with ideas even in sleep. Yes, yes, I understand this is far from optimal. And yes, yes, I do occasionally exhale and attempt a break even as the complexities of our complex world complicate my thoughts further. One tries to find the simple. After all, one wants a piece of peace while observing the morning light filtered through the fluttering curtain lace. But then we have a week like this, filling one with questions and what if’s and mystery. Still, we endeavor to dust off uncertainty and say yes to the unknown. Somehow we dance our way to find a way.

Much of my thoughts were due to a death. On the surface his was just a ordinary life lived for a lucky eight decades. But his impact was legendary. Since 2014, Randy led over 24,000 members of his local Meetup group on hikes to stunning destinations throughout southern California. But he also volunteered as an instructor. I was one of over 1,000 who he patiently and playfully taught how to play pickleball– for free. His only motivation in these endeavors? To bring people together. To built a fun community. Making a profound impact on people’s lives with an ease that now looks magical. I am so delighted that our paths crossed, and only sorry that I did not say yes enough to the many events he hosted. Which led to another thought that filled my mind: If not today, when will you do it?

Sure, the world is ripe for giving up. Just watch an entire chamber of elected officials stand and cheer a man who they must know is a disgrace to their forefathers, their wives and daughters and sons, who retaliates like a toddler against anyone who points out the lies he utters. Witnessing their complicity is a fast track to feeling defeat. Yet, of course, we must not allow their cowardly behavior to overwhelm us, right? We must hold the ideals of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity as our own guiding stars even when others don’t. The old regime holds on with tyranny to keep their privilege, but when we listen to those lone voices, those like Randy, who structure their days to give to others, we can hear, and feel, their quiet strength. That very strength has the power to buoy the heaviness of despair, if you allow it. This week I celebrate those like Randy, who seek to unify, not for personal gain, but for the betterment of community alone.

Yes, we must dust off uncertainty to say yes to the unknown and somehow, yes, yes again, we somehow dance our way to find a way.