I’m not one who enjoys discussing or listening to discussions about politics.
In recent years, the political climate has grown increasingly hostile and has caused many families, friends, associates, and more to become divided over different beliefs, policies, practices, and changes as we all navigate this uncertain world and these uncertain times.
As I’ve grown older, I’ve aimed to exercise more wisdom and discretion when it comes to openly aligning myself with any political party or candidate (which is no one else’s business but my own). I get why some people feel the need to be vocal and outspoken about their views and who they’re supporting, but I also recognize the power of moving in silence too.
When it comes to politics, we often hear a lot about what people don’t want and what they don’t like, but how often do we think about how we can take what we don’t like to advocate for change? Surely this is something to think about among all the “noise” that’s not benefitting any of us.
Whenever I don’t like someone or something, I often try to keep my thoughts and opinions to myself. I also pray, and every now and then, I may vent to a trusted family member or friend. But I’ve also challenged myself to take what I don’t like and figure out a way to flip the narrative through advocacy. For example, I’m not one who enjoys the negativity that comes from things like trolling and gossip. So, whenever I’m online and see something negative, I’m either prepared to combat it with positivity, choose to utilize my blocking or unfollowing features, or tell anyone who’s bringing gossip my way that I’m not interested in the negativity, or I decide to walk away from messy conversations.
There’s almost always a way to do this with most things, and if you slow down and get still for a moment, you may be able to think about different areas in your life where you could apply the same approach.
What are some things that you don’t like? And why? After you figure this out, the answers will come. Then, before you know it, you’ll be on a path advocating for changes in ways that can change your life and perhaps different aspects of the culture. This imperfect world we’re all living in will always have different things (and people) in it that we don’t like, agree with, or support, but if we’re confident enough to seek and find ways to implement effective changes, then we’ll be on our way to shifting different things we never imagined we could.