2.4.16
It's been far too long since I sat down and shared some thoughts—I could say I've been busier, but I know that's just an excuse. Truthfully, I've been daunted by the goals I set for myself when deciding to create and maintain this space. What should I be writing? What might people want to be reading? So far everything has been about me—why I write, what I'm doing in this world—and more and more, I wish I could be writing about anything but me. I'm the very tiniest speck in this massive world, and as the world we know feels like it's falling to pieces, there are countless stories more important than mine.
I would guess that I'm not the only one who's felt daunted by the latest turn of events in our country—despite wanting more than ever to shout out and speak up, I've found myself more and more overwhelmed until I finally turn to silence. I've never considered myself a political individual, but this past year has been the end of that. I want to be political. I want to be informed. I want to be active. I'm increasingly inspired by the people around me who have shown me how to speak up. My aunt and uncle are marching, sharing information, and remain unafraid to have conversations with those around them who might not understand why they're so vocal right now. Perennial lady boss Helena has been able to put into words what I haven't, and I am grateful to follow her lead, as always. My coworkers are more dedicated than ever to maintain their journalistic integrity as they cover each day's twists and turns, and I'm proud to work in a newsroom that holds every individual in the government responsible for what they're responsible for doing, day in and day out. Even J.K. Rowling has been on the offense, using humor to counteract trolls on the internet and making us laugh despite it all.
It doesn't matter if you're afraid of activism—it's more essential now than ever before. I'm never going to be a political expert, but I can call my representatives and remind them of the people they represent—the so-called 'ordinary citizens' who have shown themselves to be anything but during the first few turbulent weeks of this administrations. I will march, I will read, I will inform, and I encourage you to join me. But beyond that: I encourage you to teach me. We're stronger together.
“You have enemies? Good. That means you’ve stood up for something, sometime in your life.”