Starting down this new path of political activism, I’ve been going full speed ahead for the last month, but this past weekend, I took a step back from all of it to celebrate big events in my life. In doing so, I got a much-needed mental break. It’s what we all should do from time to time.

There is so much going on, and so many things to care about, that it’s hard to always wrap my head around what I should or should not focus on. It’s easy to get bogged down in the negative, and we are all susceptible to it. Reading article after article about what he tweeted now, growing ties to Russia, attacks against the environment, women, immigrants…it’s overwhelming.

I’ve come to realize that I will never be able to truly keep up with everything. With this resolve, I’ve started focusing and following the things that matter most to me. I also know that I’ve got little control over the bigger ticket items, for lack of a better term, that are out there. I’ll keep calling my representatives, and I know that does have an impact, but I personally can’t change the outcome of a vote or convince a Senator about the need to filibuster or call for an independent inquiry. Together we can, yes, but individually I have little power. At least at the national level.

That’s why I’m diving into local politics so forcefully. I actually have a voice now and could potentially have influence over decisions being made in my state. When the special election was announced, and the Democrats held their nominating convention, I knew I wanted to be at the next one. I have contributions and perspectives to offer my state and I’m ready to share. In this way, I’m finding focus and something to strive for.

I’m learning to take this one day at a time, one atrocity at a time, one outrage at a time, one election at a time. By doing so, I hope to maintain my drive and passion, and effectively contribute to my community. Each one of us has the power to make an impact, to make a difference. By focusing, I hope to make as big of an impact as I possibly can.

In thinking about the impact of one person, what will you focus on?