The Importance of Democracy and Self-Care in Trying Times 🗳️🔔❤️
As we approach the final days of this crucial election, let's unite, vote, and take care of ourselves to preserve democracy and our well-being.
Hello dreamers, dedicated voters, and defenders of democracy,
As we stand on the brink of this pivotal election, we must remember the power of our voices and the importance of our votes. Democracy thrives when we participate, and now more than ever, we must raise our voices and support a fair process to ensure its survival. This election will be extremely close at the margin, and every vote is precious.
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I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who is voting, volunteering, and voicing your power for democracy.
I also want to thank everyone for supporting our democratic voting process, including county clerks, secretaries of state, staff, and volunteers. This week, I visited Catherine McCullen, the Clackamas County Clerk, and thanked her, her staff, and volunteers for their exceptional job keeping our election safe and secure.
I appreciate and care about all of you. It's a stressful and important time in history.
Learning from History
Philosopher George Santayana wrote in his book The Life of Reason: The Phases of Human Progress, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it"
I am an optimist and pray that we will not repeat history, but I am also an activist who will do everything I can in the final days to get out the vote (GOTV) and share knowledge and wisdom with others to avoid a repeat performance.
An excellent source for history is professor, Heather Cox Richardson, who wrote an important article about the risks of fascism.
Fascists manipulate fear and hate, use propaganda, and break national unity to gain power. The pamphlet warned Americans not to think fascism couldn't come to America, emphasizing the importance of making democracy work and remaining vigilant against discrimination and hate.
Take Action to Get Out the Vote
First, be sure to vote.
Second, reach out to friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors.
Third, volunteer to phone bank, text, or travel to connect with people in your neighborhood or better the battleground states (Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, Wisconsin, Georgia, Arizona, North Carolina, and Nevada).
Many people are still undecided or uncommitted to voting, and this weekend is the best time to encourage them to do so.
Count Every Vote and Take Care
We will win when we vote, volunteer, and voice our message.
But we must also be patient and take care of ourselves. Until the results are finalized, there will likely be days, weeks, or even months of uncertainty.
In my book, READY, SET, GO! Chapter 9: Count Every Vote, I share details about the post-election wrap-up. This is an important stage where you ensure all votes are counted accurately and fairly, take steps to thank your volunteers and supporters, and reflect on the campaign’s successes and weaknesses.
Rest, renew, and restore after the election by acknowledging your feelings, expressing gratitude, and celebrating successes.
Enjoy a calming walk in nature, practice mindfulness, and connect with loved ones for support. If stressed or anxious, try reading a book, listening to music, or engaging in a hobby you love. If you need more help, don’t hesitate to reach out. I care about you and am here if needed. Remember, taking care of your well-being is crucial.
Be sure to check in on friends, family, and anyone struggling. Remember, patience is key, as the election process may be contested and there might not be a clear outcome immediately. Keep hope and optimism alive, stay patient with yourself, and reach out to those you care about.
Thank you for your dedication and commitment to our democracy journey.