Yesterday, millions of us saw Dr. Blasey Ford testify. As I watch my Facebook feed, I see person after person speaking up.
And it reminds me: Courage and action DO change the world.
Even though she was originally afraid to come forward, even though she had to deal with death threats and move her family for safety, Dr. Blasey Ford spoke her truth.
Through her courage, she laid bare the ugliness and pervasiveness of a culture that looks at men pressuring women for sex and says, “Boys will be boys” or “All men do that.” She inspired millions of women and men to say, “No, that is not okay” and “This is not the world we want for our daughters and sons.”
Maybe Brett Kavanaugh will still get confirmed. Maybe not.
Whatever happens, this is a moment that will change history. This is a moment where we CAN and MUST change history.
In 1992, after the Anita Hill hearings, there was an electoral wave that tripled the number of female senators (going from two to seven), increased the number of women in the House by 60% (from 30 to 48), and inspired hundreds of women to run for offices, from state legislatures to school boards. TIME called it “The Year of the Woman.”
We can bring another wave this year. (Three ways you can get involved at the end of this post.)
And, if you are feeling traumatized by these events, take care of yourself. Find community and care and support. Give yourself tenderness and love.
Then when you can, in ways big or small, speak and act with courage. Bring YOUR truth into the world–in your actions, in your conversations, and in your creativity.
BEYOND ELECTORAL POLITICS
In every area, our truth and courage make a difference. A couple years ago, I worked with a client who was courageously bringing a new view of cancer into the world. Another previous client is telling the stories of death row inmates who are likely innocent. Other clients are helping people connect with the life stories behind the objects in their home, educating people about safe and healthy cosmetics, or using comedy to advance gender equality.
What have you been afraid to say or do? What creative work have you been holding back?
These times can be difficult. But we have each other, and we have ourselves. The world is asking for our voices in this moment.
Be the voice of creative change in the world.
~~ Get support ~~
If you’re struggling to process a memory of sexual violence, you can reach out for help by phone to the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network at 1-800-656-4673 or over text message to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 (on almost all carriers, these texts are free).
~~ Three ways you can make a difference (political) ~~
1) Take back the House: https://swingleft.org/
2) Flip the Senate (most competitive seats here): https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-09-13/battle-for-u-s-senate-is-suddenly-less-daunting-for-democrats
3) Elect more women: https://www.emilyslist.org/
~~ One way you can make a difference (personal) ~~
Choose courage over fear. Choose to bring your truest creative work into the world.
Yes, you might be afraid of people’s reactions. You might be afraid of failure or judgment or ridicule.
But truth has power, and your true creative voice will make a difference in the world.
You will be more powerful, more fulfilled, and more alive–and the world will be better for your work.
