This week, I was honored to have it Tulsi Gabbard on the show to discuss her life, passions and new book, For the love of country: Leave the Democratic Party behind.

From her beginnings as an environmental activist to the distinguished one military career and subsequent political journey, Gabbard's life has been marked by a commitment to public service and an embrace of the transformative power of personal growth.

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Her journey began with him passion for environmental activism. As a teenager, she co-founded the non-profit organization Healthy Hawai'i Coalition, but she says it was her military deployment that really shaped her perspective and instilled in her the values ​​of adaptability and critical thinking. She enlisted in the Hawaii Army National Guard in 2003 and deployed to Iraq in 2004. Serving in the military taught her the importance of being open to different ideas and perspectives, a lesson she says she has carried into her career. political.

“I signed up because of 9/11, like many other Americans, and I volunteered to be deployed to the Middle East,” she says. “During my nearly 21 years of service, I cannot express in words how grateful I am to have served alongside such extraordinary people from all walks of life, from all parts of the country – people who not only love our country , but they love each one. other.”

As she detailed during our conversation, she believes in respectful conversations and exchanges IDEAS are essential to progress and unity in American society. Gabbard emphasized the need to bridge the divide between differing opinions, encouraging citizens to engage in meaningful discussion instead of using divisive rhetoric. By prioritizing people's well-being over political agendas, she says we can create a more inclusive and cohesive society. “If (politicians) are not focused on serving the people, then (they) are focused on the wrong things,” she says.

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Grassroots movements and collective action are also at the core of Gabbard's vision for positive change. She believes that real transformation can only be achieved when citizens actively participate in the democratic process. Gabbard encourages individuals to be informed, hold leaders accountable, and engage in civic activities that drive grassroots change, no matter how difficult it may seem.

Her life of service in the military and politics has taught her a valuable lesson in keeping calm and collected in difficult times. “Stay spiritually grounded in (your) purpose,” she says. “Know exactly who you are and know that generally, those who are attacking you are doing so based on their own insecurities and fears.”

At a time when political polarization seems to be the norm, Gabbard's trip reminded me of the importance of being open to different ideas and staying active in the community. As we navigate the challenges of our time, I believe we can all draw inspiration from Gabbard's leadership principles. humility, compassion and spiritual foundation. “Be humble,” she advises those in leadership positions. “To lead, one must truly do so with the heart of a servant who cares for, inspires, and teaches those charged with leading.”

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Serial entrepreneur Jeff Window embarks on an extraordinary journey each week, delving into the stories of extraordinary individuals who have defied the norm and blazed their own trails to achieve extraordinary success.

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