That Little Voice

Endings.

They can be joyful, as in giving birth to a child after nine months of pregnancy.

They can be fearful, as in changing careers.

They can be sad, as in losing a loved one.

They can be uncertain, as in retirement.

They can be frustrating, as in ending a relationship.

No matter the ending, reactions boil to the surface attempting to find an outlet without crippling you emotionally, physically or mentally. Maybe you want to scream with delight or bellow with disgust.

So that is where we are today in our world. Be you in Ukraine, where unprovoked war erupts, or in the United States, where inaction by government leaders, rulings against the majority’s desires, evidence of misconduct by trusted leaders, and unfair inequities and inconsistencies are overlooked, we find ourselves battered by unforeseen endings.

We seem unprepared to find solutions, to know how to move forward, and what actions will soothe our souls. We thrash about, bang our fists, wishing someone would do something, do anything, to stop the confusion, hurt, anger and desperation.

But the reality: only we can ‘fix it.’ Only we have the power, the determination, the awareness to find our voices and act.

We are not powerless, but it will take courage to speak our truth, to declare our believes, and to stand against powers we fear.

I know throughout my life I have often lacked courage, been afraid to speak truth to power, or to stand firm for my convictions. I found the path less stressful if I just ‘went along,’ ignoring what I knew was right.

But today, that behavior must end. I must shed my fright, break through the barrier of silence, vote, shout, donate, march and be brave enough to say “This isn’t okay.”

Because, I do believe we shall overcome.