This short piece on Awakin.org by Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love, felt like a good reminder today of the many ways that we each can harness the power of our good intent when the emotional atmosphere around us feels bleak. On the individual level, I hope everyone who is feeling discouraged right now can refocus their good intent on something small- at least for long enough to refill their emotional gas tank a bit before they return to larger work. 

This will be a first post on the Forum for me. I've been a quiet reader of the Forum for some time now while volunteering as a facilitator for the Virtual Program. The program has given me the opportunity to engage with an exceptional host of individuals from many countries and backgrounds in some wonderful discussions; among them, employees of FTX who have earned my respect and friendship with their thoughtfulness and personal devotion to global good. I can only imagine how life just turned on its head for them and I hope they continue to feel support from the EA community in this period of personal hardship.

I know this is a hard and confusing time for many. The developments with FTX will give the EA community a lot to reflect on and learn from and much of that will be at the institutional level. I think it is important to recognize that one of EA's strongest assets is the alignment of good intent across a wide spectrum of knowledge and experience. Life teaches us that every mistake is an opportunity for growth and I believe that where good intention and a spirit of forgiveness persist, positive growth will follow. 

Hang in there everyone.