Morning Shannan. Morning everyone. I love when I get to make peace with my younger self. That's some of the best peace I know. Imho, I reckon it's cool for young Shannan who always knew politics is important and changes peoples lives that you're running for office. She headed you in the wrong direction maybe, but she got you moving. I'm guessing it might be tougher knocking on doors without her holding a clipboard by your side. Bravo, young Shannan. Your reward is votes for the Democrats. #266ToWin.
Thank you so much for these words. We moved to the Appalachians of East TN from Iowa City 3 years ago and your journey resonates so much - both on my personal journey and now my assumptions about the people I am meeting here. And through that journey I have been seeing so much real change (both in myself and others!) and blossoming potential and openness. It’s so good and encouraging to hear this. And 💪 from a fellow introvert!
"Dan showed us a guitar he painted for his autistic grandson then sat at the baby grand piano swathed in mover’s blankets and played a few bars of a song he’s been working on." When I read this, I choked up. Humans are so layered and complicated. They are beautiful and also can cause so much pain. I've known quite a few Dans in my lifetime and still struggle to hold the complexities.
Thank you for writing. Thank you for sharing. Thank you for running for city council. The world needs more people like you.
I’m learning/working on remembering everyone has lived a different experience than myself. I don’t understand why people act/vote/think/believe the things they do. It doesn’t make sense and I like sense. I like black and white. One correct answer. But, we live how we do because of our lived experiences. So, I am learning to have my convictions and not expecting everyone to have the same.
It’s hard for my personality to do this and I’m proud of my progress.
I still feel like there are “right ways” to do things and i have a propensity to “know I’m right and I’ll prove it.” I was a very good high school debate member - state champion, national qualifier and placing so well. But, that was 16-17 years ago and it is hard to just rid yourself of that sense of “argument” and warping of words to make your opponent feel stupid or trapped in their position. It was fun in high school. Buuuuuuuuut, I have to actively fight the entitled feelings I have today to every opinion because I like to “win” and I can “win” any argument.
Gah! Is change possible? I want to think so. It feels like so much is broken, and those with power don’t care if it gets fixed because they are doing fine. I’m glad you’re running and I hope you win. Slowly, and in small ways, each of us can make a difference.
My husband & I watched Jury Duty & loved it!! I laughed until I cried at one particular scene involving the defense attorney’s presentation of a video simulation of the crime. 😊
Some of my relatives are their own version of Dan, and I am a work in progress to just love them.
“I am a work in progress to just love them”. These words have never rung so true. Thank you for putting into words how I too am feeling about some of my own family.
Thank you for sharing this look at your living experience with running for local office. You’re suited for this work! It gives me so much hope! Dave is different now and so are you. I think it’s the small, cumulative somethings-to-think-about that bring the whole of us closer to whole.
I help bring together an Advent by Candlelight event for women. This year, we’re focusing on Mary (A Very Mary Advent). The host church holds Mary in one way, while the women attending see her in a diversity of ways. Our committee conversation brought us to see ALL of Mary. We don’t have to ask or require anyone coming that evening to set down or pick up a different belief, rather we ask them deepen their field of view. See the variety perspectives, and leave changed, richer, and more giving/receive of light. 🤍
A BIG one is I've learned (am still learning) that it is not my job to fix everything for everybody. I now mostly just sit with people and say "I'm sorry" (or something of the like) .... and then sometimes ask questions that might help them process a decision.
I want to read the devotional, I really do...but I’m just not there yet. God and I are on limited speaking terms right now and I’m ok with that. Deconstructing my Catholic upbringing has been a challenge to say the least, and a journey well worth taking as I see faith and spirituality in a new light. Thank you for sharing your spiritual journey with us--your day to day musings have touched my heart more times than I can remember.
What a great story and reflective piece. I admire what you are doing, and the way you are doing your campaigning. You will be a great city councilman. I wish you lived here. We could use someone like you on our council.
Thank you for running! I’m a member of the bureaucracy in Marshall County (I direct the solid waste district) and we need politicians who care. Local politics is all about service and solving problems, but many folks turn it into personal power plays, which is kind of laughable. I’m sure you are a breath of fresh air.
What a journey you have been on and continue to travel. Change is slow and sometimes takes time to see but it’s beautiful to see how each season of change for you has lead to more love, curiosity and an open heart for others. Can’t think of anything better. Shine on, Shannan! You are a gift to your community and to us.
Morning Shannan. Morning everyone. I love when I get to make peace with my younger self. That's some of the best peace I know. Imho, I reckon it's cool for young Shannan who always knew politics is important and changes peoples lives that you're running for office. She headed you in the wrong direction maybe, but she got you moving. I'm guessing it might be tougher knocking on doors without her holding a clipboard by your side. Bravo, young Shannan. Your reward is votes for the Democrats. #266ToWin.
Thank you so much for these words. We moved to the Appalachians of East TN from Iowa City 3 years ago and your journey resonates so much - both on my personal journey and now my assumptions about the people I am meeting here. And through that journey I have been seeing so much real change (both in myself and others!) and blossoming potential and openness. It’s so good and encouraging to hear this. And 💪 from a fellow introvert!
Whew, this hit me in the feels.
"Dan showed us a guitar he painted for his autistic grandson then sat at the baby grand piano swathed in mover’s blankets and played a few bars of a song he’s been working on." When I read this, I choked up. Humans are so layered and complicated. They are beautiful and also can cause so much pain. I've known quite a few Dans in my lifetime and still struggle to hold the complexities.
Thank you for writing. Thank you for sharing. Thank you for running for city council. The world needs more people like you.
I’m learning/working on remembering everyone has lived a different experience than myself. I don’t understand why people act/vote/think/believe the things they do. It doesn’t make sense and I like sense. I like black and white. One correct answer. But, we live how we do because of our lived experiences. So, I am learning to have my convictions and not expecting everyone to have the same.
It’s hard for my personality to do this and I’m proud of my progress.
I still feel like there are “right ways” to do things and i have a propensity to “know I’m right and I’ll prove it.” I was a very good high school debate member - state champion, national qualifier and placing so well. But, that was 16-17 years ago and it is hard to just rid yourself of that sense of “argument” and warping of words to make your opponent feel stupid or trapped in their position. It was fun in high school. Buuuuuuuuut, I have to actively fight the entitled feelings I have today to every opinion because I like to “win” and I can “win” any argument.
Gah! Is change possible? I want to think so. It feels like so much is broken, and those with power don’t care if it gets fixed because they are doing fine. I’m glad you’re running and I hope you win. Slowly, and in small ways, each of us can make a difference.
I teared up. I’ve been thinking about how to make a more respectful and compassionate world and it’s these moments and their small ripples.
My husband & I watched Jury Duty & loved it!! I laughed until I cried at one particular scene involving the defense attorney’s presentation of a video simulation of the crime. 😊
Some of my relatives are their own version of Dan, and I am a work in progress to just love them.
“I am a work in progress to just love them”. These words have never rung so true. Thank you for putting into words how I too am feeling about some of my own family.
Well, God bless Dan. ❤️ I'm glad the two of you met. Even if he doesn't vote for you in the end, you two are true neighbors now.
Thank you for sharing this look at your living experience with running for local office. You’re suited for this work! It gives me so much hope! Dave is different now and so are you. I think it’s the small, cumulative somethings-to-think-about that bring the whole of us closer to whole.
I help bring together an Advent by Candlelight event for women. This year, we’re focusing on Mary (A Very Mary Advent). The host church holds Mary in one way, while the women attending see her in a diversity of ways. Our committee conversation brought us to see ALL of Mary. We don’t have to ask or require anyone coming that evening to set down or pick up a different belief, rather we ask them deepen their field of view. See the variety perspectives, and leave changed, richer, and more giving/receive of light. 🤍
How have I changed? Let me count the ways!
A BIG one is I've learned (am still learning) that it is not my job to fix everything for everybody. I now mostly just sit with people and say "I'm sorry" (or something of the like) .... and then sometimes ask questions that might help them process a decision.
If you had known me 5 years ago.........
I want to read the devotional, I really do...but I’m just not there yet. God and I are on limited speaking terms right now and I’m ok with that. Deconstructing my Catholic upbringing has been a challenge to say the least, and a journey well worth taking as I see faith and spirituality in a new light. Thank you for sharing your spiritual journey with us--your day to day musings have touched my heart more times than I can remember.
What a great story and reflective piece. I admire what you are doing, and the way you are doing your campaigning. You will be a great city councilman. I wish you lived here. We could use someone like you on our council.
Thank you for running! I’m a member of the bureaucracy in Marshall County (I direct the solid waste district) and we need politicians who care. Local politics is all about service and solving problems, but many folks turn it into personal power plays, which is kind of laughable. I’m sure you are a breath of fresh air.
Such courage to do what you are doing! Love following along 💓
You work on Dan, I’ll work on Dave. ❤️
What a journey you have been on and continue to travel. Change is slow and sometimes takes time to see but it’s beautiful to see how each season of change for you has lead to more love, curiosity and an open heart for others. Can’t think of anything better. Shine on, Shannan! You are a gift to your community and to us.