Balance

Originally posted at Jungle Red Writers on Sunday, Aug. 7

Most of the time my world is one of casual content.

Not a lot of radical ups or downs. Just the usual things life tosses at all of us. 

That is not to say that many of those things can't be damn tough, or that some are not cause for great joy. 

But, in my case, most of them are part of a normal, fairly constant and consistent life of sameness.  And I'm good with that.  There are people who live daily life dramas of extremes that exhaust and bore me and are, I think, unnecessary except for the ego of the dramatist.  'Course, that's just my opinion.

Recently, however, I've had some delightful ups.  

And some devastating downs.

And I find myself thinking more of balance.

Balance.

A word I'm using more and thinking of more than I once did.

And I think it comes with age.

As we age we gain wisdom. If we don't, we're to be pitied.  (Again - just my opinion).


We learn a bit about acceptance as we get older.  We don't really have a choice.


I've been grappling a little with accepting some things I don't have the power to change.

But I'm also accepting the challenge of standing up for things I just might be able to help change.

Challenge is good, I think

Change is often necessary.

And, when it is necessary, I am always up for it.


I do not ever want to be one of those people who thinks everything in life is written is stone just because that's the way it's always been and can't be changed.


Bunk.


So.  

I'm just going to take a deep breath and say this.


If you're one of those people saying you're NOT going to vote this November because you're unhappy with your choices?


Then you're part of the problem.


"The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new."

The above quote has been attributed to Socrates, to world-class gymnast Dan Millman, and to an attendant at an all-night gas station. 

Take your pick. 

But heed the message.


It's time to start building the new. 

We're not just voting for a new president in November.

There are choices on your local ballot that are extremely important.

I hope you'll remember that.


'Cause if you're one of those people who say your vote doesn't mean anything, or that you're disgusted with politics in general, or disgusted by both the presidential candidates or any of those tired old excuses, then I would suggest you sit back and maybe re-read some history. 

And think about "balance."


As a noun -

"an even distribution of weight enabling someone or something to remain upright and steady."

"a condition in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions."


Or as a verb -

"keep or put (something) in a steady position so that it does not fall."

"offset or compare the value of (one thing) with another."

Balance in our lives is important.

There needs to be, in my opinion, some balance brought back into our government.

Being an active grassroots volunteer for the past year has given me a great deal of personal satisfaction and gratification.  

My local party, The Watauga County Democrats, has accomplished great things.  Has gained attention at the state level, and has been featured, more than once, on the Rachel Maddow Show.  

I'm proud to be a small part. 

I'll be working in the county headquarters office in downtown Boone from now until election day.

If you're in the neighborhood, drop by and say "Hey!"