You matter

It's Election Week. For the past month, we've been bombarded with reminders to vote. That's not what this message is about, but it is on theme.

You have a big effect on the world around you. It's not neutral or negligible. When we forget that, all we have to do is smile at someone, and see their face light up. Especially during this time, your love, presence, and kindness are needed more than ever.

What's often counterintuitive is that we are more patient and generous when we first take care of ourselves. Emotions and stress are going to run high this week, so give yourself time to rest, unwind, and be still.

Save your energy for the actions that are most important to you. That might be researching data on propositions, having a respectful conversation about politics with your Great Aunt, or driving to the polls. Be rigorous about not dumping your energy in places that are not important to you like arguing with trolls on Facebook or being angry about things you cannot control.

And finally, let's remember that everyone else matters too. They may have different beliefs, but they bleed all the same. We may not change their minds and they may not be as committed to speaking with kindness as we are, however, it is our choice to respond with respect or reduce ourselves to negativity.

The motions of the Elements are up, down, in circles, but the movement of man's excellence is in none of these, but proceeding in a more divine way and on a path past finding out it fares well.
-Marcus Aurelius Meditations Book VI. 17.

PS. For the record, this is the message I wrote for myself this week.

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Bonus ♣️

This dog loves when his owner plays guitar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvLT_J9Uv4o