Two Realities. One Choice.
I was speaking with a client who was deeply frustrated and emotionally drained. The hostage deal in Israel is unfolding—bringing a mix of joy, relief, grief and anger. For every family reunited, others are left waiting in anguish.
For every hostage returned, the cost to national security weighs heavily. “How do you stay positive when everything feels so out of control?” he asked me.
I paused. Because I understood. And then I had a realisation about a conscious commitment I had made.
There are two ways to look at this situation:
- Every hostage that returns is a cause for celebration.
A life saved. A family reunited.
A reason to celebrate hope in a world that desperately needs it. - Every release comes at a cost.
Security risks. Pain for those still left behind.
A feeling of helplessness in the face of something so much bigger than us.
Both are true. Both exist at the same time. But only one fuels our ability to keep moving forward.
The fact is, we have zero control over the situation itself.
But we do have control over how we engage with it.
🔹 Do we allow ourselves to be pulled into despair?
🔹 Or do we acknowledge the pain but choose to focus on the light?
It’s so easy to get swept up in the emotional rollercoaster of events like this, to feel every high and low as if we’re strapped in with no way out.
But here’s the truth: we can step off the ride at any time.
We can stay on the rollercoaster, consumed by the ups and downs, or we can step off, ground ourselves, and decide where to place our focus. (Thanks to a friend for reminding me of this wonderful metaphor).
Because in every challenging situation, whether personal or global, there’s a moment of choice.
What do we focus on? Where do we put our energy?
How do we keep showing up at our best—in a world that needs us to show up at our most alive, most purposeful, most hopeful?
For me, that means choosing hope. Celebrating each life that comes home.
Finding the light where I can.
Not as a way to ignore the pain, but as a way to keep showing up strong—for myself, for others, for the work that matters.
Because this is how we create the most impact—by bringing our clarity, strength, and hope into the world, where it’s needed most.
So, I’ll ask you:
When life feels overwhelming, how do you remind yourself that you can step off the ride?
Where are you choosing to put your focus today?
Tell me what’s on your mind.
Here’s to choosing where we stand, owning our energy, and bringing more strength and hope into the world—one conscious choice at a time.
Leadership Mojo – The unique energy, confidence and clarity that enable leaders to inspire, influence, and make an extraordinary impact.
Schedule your discovery call with Daphna today!