It’s Tuesday, November 3, as I write this post. Election Day! I know many of you voted early and some will stand in line to vote today. Some of you will glue yourselves to the screen today (or for the following days) watching results come in, some will turn everything off. Some of you have hope, some are fearful, and some move between the two feelings at any given moment. We are in for a long week (or more) as votes are counted and the election process is completed.

A long week in what has felt like the longest year of my life – longer even than the Navy deployments where I was alone for months on end. Long because it seems impossible to see an end in sight. Long because, on top of a pandemic which collectively we have not controlled, we are exposed daily to hatred and destructive messages that tear at the very fabric of our country. I’m sitting with the first principle in my heart and the knowledge that affirming the worth and dignity of every person is so difficult in this current climate. And I can only imagine how it must feel for those who do not carry the privilege I have, who have struggled collectively for years to have their voices heard and their worth and dignity upheld.

Yes, social distancing, limiting travel, staying home are wearing me down. And, it’s what I do. Just like voting, I do it for the people who can’t, and for the people who won’t. I do it because my values call me to contribute to society in any way I am able and because I truly believe we have to be the change we want to see in the world.

Thank you for doing your civic duty and voting. There is more work to do, there always will be — the arc of the universe is long. Blessings as you navigate this week. Don’t forget to drink water, laugh, breathe and LOVE.

*See* you on Sunday,
Carrie