John, in 1998, I wrote a book called "Courage is Contagious" and it profiled ordinary Americans whose courageous acts made a lasting impact on those around them.

Rightfully so, we reserve the word "courageous" for those among us who put themselves in harms way to help others or those who put themselves out there, with nothing to gain personally, in an effort to improve the lives of other people.

This has been on my mind in recent weeks as I look at the courageous acts of so many brave Ukrainians who are fighting to defend their homeland and their democratic values. Their very way of life is under attack by Russia's Putin and the defiance of Ukrainian President Zelensky has rallied the free world to their cause.

It was hard to imagine even a month or two ago that there would be something that could rally America's leaders in both parties to speak with one voice about anything positive, let alone a powerful call to fight to defend democracy. That is the power of courage and we need more of it in America.

Courage comes in all forms and any human being has the potential to make a positive impact. Just look at Ohio State college football player Harry Miller who stepped away from the sport to not only focus on his own mental health, but to share his story in the hopes that it will help others who may be struggling. Take a look at this clip from his interview with the Today Show.

The exceptional thing about courage is that the natural human reaction when we see it is to come together in some way. We are drawn to it instinctively and it can be such a powerful way to bring about positive change.

Courage really is contagious and it's up to each of us to find a way that we can make a positive impact in our own communities. It's my hope that we can help our elected leaders in Washington understand how courageous acts can work to unite us instead of dividing us for political gain.