You Belong Here

If you're like me, this week might have felt like a doozy. As I watched Donald Trump's press conference unveiling his global tariffs, I felt my stomach drop. Tariffs have never proven to be a successful economic lever, and here we have them barreling at us on a global scale. The retaliation from other countries will be swift and, most likely, severe. Most unfortunate of all, those of us who live in the United States will carry the consequences through rising prices on common goods like food, cars, and more.

OK, there's my doom spiral for the week. When intentional chaos like this is happening around us, it's understandable to feel like you don't have power and things are just happening to you.

But I promise you, you have more power than you think. Let's explore a few strategies you can utilize here and now.

Focus on What You Can Control

The political climate can feel intense and uncontrollable, but identifying specific aspects you can influence helps build a sense of agency. Start by focusing on your immediate sphere of influence—your community, workplace, or family. Local engagement often has the most tangible impact on your daily life.

Strategy #1: Get Involved Locally

Local politics directly affects your community and offers more accessible opportunities for meaningful participation:

• Attend town halls and city council meetings

• Support candidates in local elections

• Join neighborhood associations

• Volunteer for community projects

Changes at the local level can ripple outward and eventually influence larger political systems.

Strategy #2: Find Your Community

Connect with others who share your concerns. Whether it's joining an advocacy group, attending community forums, or participating in peaceful demonstrations, collective action amplifies individual voices and provides emotional support during challenging times.

Strategy #3: Practice Informed Citizenship

Knowledge is power. Stay informed through reliable, diverse news sources while being mindful of your media consumption habits. Understanding the issues deeply helps you advocate more effectively and make informed voting decisions.

Strategy #4: Care for Your Wellbeing

Political engagement is a marathon, not a sprint. Prioritize self-care to prevent burnout:

• Set boundaries around news consumption

• Take breaks from social media

• Connect with nature

• Engage in activities that bring you joy (ghost shows are my love language)

• Practice mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques

Strategy #5: Find Purpose Through Values-Aligned Action

Identify your core values and find ways to express them through action. Whether it's environmental protection, social justice, education, or economic opportunity, channeling your energy toward causes you deeply care about creates a sense of purpose and agency.

Remember: Change Takes Time

Major social and political changes rarely happen overnight. Historical movements for civil rights, women's suffrage, and environmental protection took decades of persistent effort by countless individuals. Your contributions matter, even when progress seems slow.

When you feel powerless about the political climate, remember that democracy thrives through the sustained engagement of ordinary citizens. By taking thoughtful action aligned with your values, connecting with others, and caring for your wellbeing, you can make meaningful contributions toward the world you wish to see.

Break Time

I’m taking a break next week to spend time with my family, but I’ll be back the week of April 14th. Stay well and stay in community, friends. ❤️

Ready to join our Community Leaders?