I cycle through feeling like I’m not doing anything and feeling like I’m too tired to do anything. Largely I’ve accepted that, in my situation, I can help best by ensuring I’m creating safe spaces for people and sharing my differing opinion when asked.
I’ve learned what people it is safe to share these opinions around and who it isn’t. I don’t interact with certain members of my family because of their conservative viewpoints. But I’ve made it clear to others in the family that I am more socialist and accepting and willing to give them a space to explore and ask questions.
I get anxious a lot. I struggle with mental health issues and wish there was a way I could have a bigger impact. But it is also important to recognize how much energy you have to give. It might not feel like a lot but if it is what you can handle without burning yourself out, that’s very important. The fear of backlash from the wider community in your situation is a very real fear and you are not failing anyone by acknowledging this and keeping yourself safe. But making the groups of people who are seeking someone to talk to when they don’t agree with the local consensus is a huge step in changing the way an area thinks. Or, at the very least, could help some people realize they don’t fit/aren’t welcome somewhere and go somewhere they are.
I cycle through feeling like I’m not doing anything and feeling like I’m too tired to do anything. Largely I’ve accepted that, in my situation, I can help best by ensuring I’m creating safe spaces for people and sharing my differing opinion when asked.
I’ve learned what people it is safe to share these opinions around and who it isn’t. I don’t interact with certain members of my family because of their conservative viewpoints. But I’ve made it clear to others in the family that I am more socialist and accepting and willing to give them a space to explore and ask questions.
I get anxious a lot. I struggle with mental health issues and wish there was a way I could have a bigger impact. But it is also important to recognize how much energy you have to give. It might not feel like a lot but if it is what you can handle without burning yourself out, that’s very important. The fear of backlash from the wider community in your situation is a very real fear and you are not failing anyone by acknowledging this and keeping yourself safe. But making the groups of people who are seeking someone to talk to when they don’t agree with the local consensus is a huge step in changing the way an area thinks. Or, at the very least, could help some people realize they don’t fit/aren’t welcome somewhere and go somewhere they are.