I can’t change the world. Not all of it, not on my own. I can’t make people see reason and come to a compromise somewhere in the middle that allows everyone rights and dignity and respect. I am just a very small voice in a very small town in a relatively small state. Politicians and policy makers will not hear me among the roars, or listen to me even if they could. But I can change MY world and I can use my voice and dollars to make a difference in small ways.

I’ve talked before about being tired and angry. I’m still tired, and in a lot of ways, I’m still angry. But being tired and being angry don’t actually do anything. What does something is sending the money to the people who need it, and NOT giving money to the corporations who use their profits to beat people back. There are already companies who I don’t support or who I’ve stopped supporting, and a few other companies that I’ve started supporting more. I need to do more research on the brands I buy and the stores I shop in to see if I need to make more changes there.

And I can promote inclusion and acceptance in my team and the people I surround myself with. I know that I can’t change the beliefs of my family, I’ve tried so many times over the years and just end up hurting myself more. So maybe the time has come to spend less time with them and more time with others who share my values.

I have become a lot more conscious when I vote now as well, on issues and candidates. I’ve never voted down party lines, but now more than ever I use my vote for the person that best aligns with my values. It may not be someone from the 2 big parties… but if more people voted based on the content and not the party line, we could break free from the 2 party system, more people just need to step up.

I can’t change the world, but I can change MY world and how I move in the world at large. I can use my voice in small spaces as a touchstone for others who can use their voice to carry it further. Don’t get locked in a battle between 2 sides, find your values and do what you know is right for you and your corner of the world. One small voice won’t make a difference, but 10 small voices, a hundred, thousands, more… that could be a revolution.