Happy Sunday!
“Why does everything have to be political?” It’s a question that so many people ask, especially on social media. Well, the answer is, because everything IS political. The air that we breathe, the places we live, the food we eat, our safety, the money we make. Everything is political.
I know that many of you are here because you want to focus on the positive and leave the negativity of the world behind, at least for a little while. But honestly, I wouldn’t feel right without mentioning this important election coming up on Tuesday. I’m not telling you who or what to vote for, but I would like to encourage you to vote, and tell you a little about why it’s so important to me.
When I was a Girl Scout I was obsessed with earning badges. One of the ones that I earned was called the Active Citizen badge back then. Some of the requirements to earn the badge included: Discovering things my family helped pay for in our town by paying taxes; looking up three local laws in my community; I had to think about and discuss how my family and I used Freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly; and plan ways that my troop could help adults get people to vote. While I don’t remember the specifics of what I did to earn that badge, I do remember the spirit of earning it, which I’ve carried with me throughout my life.
As I got older and even now, I learned about the fight for the right to vote. People who lost their lives, had their heads beaten in, were humiliated. All so that everyone could have the right to vote. Whenever I cast my vote I say a silent thank you to those people for the price they paid for me to be here.
Life has felt especially hard over the past couple years with rights and support and lives being taken away from some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. It has been painful to watch, and has at times left me feeling overwhelmed and helpless. That is one of my “whys.” I vote to feel a little less helpless. To join with others to become not just one person, but part of a wave of people looking to make a difference. This is why I vote.
And once I vote, I look for some actions to take that help to better my community, country, and the world. The little things that add up and make a big difference. The things that bring me back to my Girl Scout days earning that Active Citizen badge.
Visiting and supporting my local public library. Utilizing the programs and events and resources to show how important they are to our communities.
Donate. Whether it’s financially or with things I no longer use in my home, there are organizations that can use those things to help others.
Support the arts and culture in my community. Go to the exhibits, big and small. You can get free and discounted passes at your local library!
These are just a few things that I do and there is so much more that I, and we, can do. And this week, I’m hoping that it starts with a vote. You may think that your one vote doesn’t matter, but like many things in life, together we can make a big difference.
Have a great week!
Positively yours,
Pebbles 💜
💌 A 7-year-old boy sends a letter to his dad in heaven, and the post office responds in the very best way!
😭 The reunion of a lifetime that will have you crying ugly tears!
👩🏽🤝👩🏾👩🏽🤝👩🏾Two older sisters (17 and 18) surprise their younger sisters (12 and 8) by telling them that they want to spend the next year before college in one bedroom together.
🍓Strawberry farmer in Beijing inspires students for over 10 years after his phone number shows up on an English exam.
Some of the little things that gave me happiness, joy, and/or peace recently. What were your glimmers this past week?
When my niece had her daughter she wanted me to have a special name. We decided on MiMi. But because Zola hears her parents calling me Auntie all the time, she started calling me that. This week, she started calling me Pumpkin. I’m hoping this one sticks!
A bucket of banana-hazelnut coffee from P.S. Gourmet Coffee in Dorchester.
Having a really great dream about BTS!
Getting sick, but discovering Wedderspoon Organic Manuka Honey Drops. Expensive, but were so good!
Not into Pokemon (yet) but got this ceramic Togepi at KPop Market and I’m now obsessed and take it everywhere with me! Here, we’re at the library! Thank you @catfish_cult
