When we stare political conflict (here or elsewhere) in the face, try to help wounded healers, or (for many) just do our best to get through the day, we can’t help but feel discouraged. But that’s when it’s especially important to remember two important things:
Hope is a choice*.
Real change happens slowly.
When we choose hope we become oriented towards creating, sustaining, and connecting… instead of anger, destruction, and fear.
When we choose hope we join others who boldly look hatred in the face and say out loud “Not this.”
When we choose hope we hold space for others so they, too, can begin to see the possibility of change.
When we choose hope we act in small ways that inevitably (and delightfully) “move the needle” towards love. And these collective small actions result in persistent and unrelenting progress towards the goal of the beloved community.
Choose hope.
*Choosing hope means to cherish a desire with anticipation with an expectation that it will happen (even if the likelihood is small).