Major political news dropped this weekend and my online feeds are stacked with reactions. Yours, too? On one hand, there's hope that this could change everything. On the other hand, there's rage at the implication that this makes up for a multitude of sins. I'm oversimplifying, of course, but I find myself re-grounding this morning in the one thing I know is true: Systems must change - and any change that takes place at a systemic level will only ever be temporary if it's not accompanied by change at an individual level. Systems emanate from us and they are sustained by us. If we don't change, nothing changes.
So, yes: organize, get out the vote, donate, join campaigns, write to your senators. Speak up, have a voice, get loud. And remember: none of it matters if we don't do the hard work of looking inward. This morning, I listened to adrienne maree brown ask the question, "Do you practice democracy — anywhere in your life? Not even politically, but just in your household?" We can ask the same question about empathy, compassion, anti-racism, justice, inclusivity. Are we practicing these values in our lives? At work? At home? Do we even know? It's almost impossible to see where growth is needed until we seek out situations that challenge us at the deepest level. How uncomfortable have you been with yourself lately? How intentionally have you leaned into that discomfort? How recently have you changed your mind?
Sometimes I think there's hope that things will change and other times I think things are worse than they've ever been, but I know for sure that change starts with me working on me. Here's that interview with adrienne maree brown, posted two weeks ago and perfectly timed for the weekend's political news:
