Retreating from Activism, Sharpening Strategic Thinking

As I slowly retreat from activism, my perception of the complex issues and solutions within this debate continues to inhabit a significant part of my subconscious thought, while my strategic thinking sharpens to a razor-sharp edge. It saddens me. Embarking on and embracing a new chapter is challenging, but necessary. What most people fail to comprehend is that I sacrificed my career, among other things, due to what's perceived as a radical agenda. Corporate and business sales demand a neutral stance on personal issues, a canvas that should remain unpainted. Activism leads to ostracization?

Career ruined. I was aware of this, yet I also know what's happening to these children. Now, taking on a sales job with which I launched my career, essentially starting from scratch, feels daunting. It seems unfair for one to sacrifice so much without a steadfast belief that the sacrifice achieved something. I'm not convinced it did. Door-to-door, from one young adult to another, mentoring a profession that has been beneficial to me can sometimes feel embarrassing.

However, it's not embarrassing when I see a young man, a new father, who had abusive parents, and was never taught how to navigate life. I get the opportunity to let him know the truth: life is not about your origins, but about your destination. To see this young father's eyes light up, realizing that I have faith in him, guiding, nurturing, and fortifying his self-worth? That's priceless. To display genuine, naked interest in someone, topped off with sacrifice, can be life-saving for some. A simple act of giving clothes to a young man can lift his spirit, allow him to take pride in himself, and show him that he matters.

You can alter the trajectory of someone's life and perhaps create a ripple effect extending into future generations. This? This is life, a life dedicated to giving to others & this phone call? It lets me know that I just might be on the right path.

2am RING RING.

Frantic voice, breathing heavy, the anxiety is felt before a word is spoken.

"The the baby won't stop crying. What's the medicine you told me about 'grip water' the numbing stuff?" We don't know what to do, are you sure it's normal for a baby to cry teething? I need to take him to the hospital right Scott?"

"Sam, calm down, it's okay. Where's the jacket I gave you this morning to keep you warm while knocking on doors?"

I try to hold in my chuckle as having three babies I know the young man won't sleep for about four years.

"It's in my car." "Go get it. I bought them for you and put it in the jacket pocket. Sam, babies cry, you're not going to be a bad dad. On the contrary, son, you'll be amazing!"

The next morning a smile as he enters "It worked, Scott!"

"Well done, you're doing great, Dad!"