Finding Strength in Change: Moving Forward Together

In my house, there is a framed Colorado state flag from 1880. It has hung in my home for many years, a quiet yet powerful reminder of the passage of time and the changes this country has endured. That flag, flown in a fledgling Colorado not long after it became a state, represents a moment in history. It’s weathered and worn, yet it persists—a testament to resilience.

The flag hangs in my house built in 1772, long before America was even a country. I often think about the people who built these walls, who lived and struggled and hoped in a time when the future was uncertain. Both the flag and the house remind me that we are stronger than we think we are. They stand as symbols of endurance, proof that change—no matter how unsettling—is survivable and often transformative.

This perspective has been on my mind a lot lately. Change is a constant in life. Whether it happens within the walls of our personal worlds or reverberates across society, it tests our resilience and challenges our vision of the future. For many, the recent election results have prompted some deep reflection—not just on where we are, but on how we keep moving forward in times when progress feels uncertain.

Here’s the truth: we’re all grappling with change, whether it feels like a victory or a setback. If you’re on one side of the aisle, this moment might feel like validation—a sign that hard work has paid off. If you’re on the other, it can feel like the rug has been pulled out from under you, leaving you to question what’s next.

But one thing I’ve learned is that nothing meaningful happens overnight. Whether it’s personal growth, societal change, or political gains, progress is often the result of steady, deliberate effort. The recent Republican wins, for example, weren’t about chance or luck. They were built over time—decades of planning, organizing, and staying focused on a goal.

That lesson applies far beyond politics. In our lives, setbacks are inevitable. We stumble, we face resistance, and we sometimes feel like giving up. I’ve had my share of those moments.

When I was younger, I was bullied—not excessively, but enough to understand how it feels to be singled out. I learned how to stand up for myself, but I also learned something bigger: how to adapt, to find strength in my individuality while navigating a world that didn’t always make it easy.

As I got older, I often felt the pressure to conform just to get by. It wasn’t about losing myself—it was about survival. And yet, even in those moments, I was quietly carving my own path. With every step forward, I found ways to embrace who I was and what I stood for, even when the world seemed to demand something else.

That’s the thing about progress: it’s messy. It’s not always linear. But it’s always possible.

If there’s one belief that has carried me through the highs and lows, it’s this: tolerance matters. Empathy matters. I’ve never been someone who writes people off because of what they believe or how they vote. Democrat, Republican, or anywhere in between—we all want a better life for ourselves, our families, and our communities. We want to feel safe. We want to find joy. We want to live in a world that reflects our values and aspirations.

Those shared desires are more powerful than any division. The challenge is recognizing them—and acting on them.

Here’s something I often remind myself of in difficult times: the battles we fight internally can sometimes feel harder than anything external. Pema Chödrön said it well in her book When Things Fall Apart:

“The most difficult times for many of us are the ones we give ourselves.”

It’s true. Our inner narratives—the self-doubt, the fear, the frustration—often magnify the challenges we face. But they also hold the key to our growth. When we step back, reflect, and choose self-compassion over self-criticism, we can turn even the hardest moments into opportunities for resilience and renewal.

So, how do we move forward when the path feels unclear? How do we turn frustration into momentum, setbacks into stepping stones?

1. Start Close to Home

Change doesn’t have to start on a grand scale. Look at your own community, your circle of friends, even your household. What can you do today to make a difference? Small actions add up to meaningful impact.

2. Have the Hard Conversations

It’s easy to retreat into our corners, to surround ourselves with people who echo our thoughts. But real progress happens when we step outside of those safe spaces. Listen to people who see the world differently—not to argue, but to understand.

3. Take Care of Yourself

You can’t pour from an empty cup. Prioritize your well-being, whether it’s through rest, exercise, or simply taking a moment to breathe. Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s how you stay strong enough to keep going.

4. Think Long-Term

Change is a marathon, not a sprint. Whether you’re working toward personal goals or a vision for society, patience and persistence are key. Trust that every small step is part of a larger journey.

5. Lead with Compassion

Kindness is a choice, and it’s one that can ripple far beyond what we see. Whether it’s a thoughtful gesture or a willingness to listen, compassion can bridge divides and inspire others to do the same.

I know it’s hard. I know there are moments when you just want to cry and do nothing. And you know what? That’s okay. Give yourself that moment to grieve, to sit with the heaviness. But then, let’s get to work.

Even in the toughest times—especially in the darkest times—there’s an opportunity to shine brighter. When you choose to move forward, to keep pushing for what you believe in, others will see your light. And here’s the beauty of it: your light will help them shine brighter too.