How Effective Change Begins - Not With Politics, But With You

As those of us in the U.S. near the end of this election season, I'm finding it hard to remain positive.  Maybe you're feeling the same.

I have no intention of writing about politics or candidates or parties.  It's not going to happen.  But even though I spend minimal time reading about, listening to, or discussing most of the claims made by politicians, it's hard to escape the tirades, fear-mongering, and – unfortunately – outright lies that are publicized over all forms of media all day, every day.

It's become ugly, and a bad advertisement for democracy and our supposedly great nation.

American ideals

All over the world, there are people who long for what the U.S. claims to have, and what was articulated by President Franklin Roosevelt – freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear.  They long for what President Barack Obama celebrated in his second inaugural address – a freedom that is not reserved to the lucky, a happiness that does not belong to the few.

Those are marvelous ideals.  And that IS what they are – lofty goals that we may hope and strive for, but not always reach.

So that's what I'm reminding myself of today.  I don't want to rant and rave or give in to a hopeless attitude.  I need to remember that most of the people in my country still love and believe in these ideals, even if we don't always do a great job of living up to them, and even if we have different ideas of how to achieve them.  They're still alive.  And that means we can still aspire to them.

Am I going to solve the problems of the U.S. (or the world) with a hateful, partisan attitude?  No.  But can my positive idealism make a difference to my family, friends, and community?  I think so.

A better way

I want to encourage you to act on your best impulses during this season and beyond.  Cast your vote, but also do all the good you can.  Help your elderly neighbor with his fall yardwork and winterizing, bake some goodies for the teachers at your child's school, or donate your extra coats and sweaters to a charity that helps the unhoused.  Give generously to your church's food drive, pick up trash in your neighborhood or park, or crochet for charity.  Be cheerful and friendly, especially on cold or rainy days.  You get the idea, and I know you can come up with many more wonderful acts of kindness!

These activities are small and simple, but like ripples in a pond they will spread and multiply.  I believe that our acts of kindness affect others, not just immediately, but as an inspiration for them to show kindness in their own way.  I scratch your back and you scratch someone else's, and the benefits radiate outward.

Kathie at homespunseasonalliving.com* puts it this way:

Those small acts of kindness are also quite rebellious in a world that focuses on selfishness and immediate gratification first and foremost....  These small acts might just let us see a world... that more closely resembles the one in which we want to live more fully and gloriously.

So your vote matters, but your words and actions matter more!

Friends, let's be the change we wish to see (to misquote Gandhi).  Don't wait for a political group or leader to do it for you.  Effective change begins within our own hearts.

Related article: 20 Ways to Increase Your Happiness by Being Kind

* This blog is reader-supported.  I'm an affiliate of Homespun Seasonal Living, and if you buy through my link I will earn a small commission.