Unapologetically Worked Up: Reflections on Empathy in Today's Political Climate

Yesterday, someone asked me why I let politics get me so worked up. And my response, “I don’t know.” At the time, in that moment, I couldn’t think of a reason why. But as I thought more about it, I realized it’s because I care.

I care about the wellbeing of others.

I care about the wellbeing of our planet.

I care about the state of our democracy.

I care about justice and freedom for all, not just a privileged few.

I care about the amount of misinformation that’s presented as facts.

I care about those who are sadly being mistreated and negatively affected by our current administration’s policies.

I care.

My empathy gene is strong. And I can’t help but feel the emotions of the world around me. Sometimes it weighs so heavily on my heart and my mind that I can’t tell if the pain is mine or someone else’s.

And then I step into rooms, whether physically or digitally, with people who don’t seem to care at all. People who are so blinded by their privilege that they can’t see what’s happening around them. People who are so naïve to the state of the world because their only source of news is telling them “don’t worry.”

And I wish they would worry – even just a little bit. I wish they would care just a little more - about their fellow humans and our Mother Earth, instead of how much money they can line their pockets with and how safe their bubble is.

My passion for politics is a reflection of my empathy and genuine concern for the world around me. And if you find yourself on the opposite end, feeling apathetic or complacent with our current state of the world, then perhaps it’s time to ask yourself why you don’t get so worked up about politics.

When we let our compassion fuel our actions, we can work together to create a more just, inclusive, and caring world.