By now, we’ve all seen a text message or TV ad about the upcoming 2024 U.S. election. But honestly, who you vote for is your personal information. I believe in healthy conversations, not debates that tear people down. Fun fact: Did you know the original U.S. Constitution didn’t actually protect the right to vote? It wasn’t until after the Civil War that protections were put in place.

But this isn’t a political blog, so let’s shift gears- just a little. 

Today, I heard something that really stuck with me. Regardless of your political stance, this is a sentiment we can all relate to at some point in our lives. Texas House Representative, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, in a speech, talked about an experience that went viral, saying, “That brief but impactful interaction gave me my legislative legs and I’ve been running ever since.”

That line kept replaying in my mind like a catchy song you can’t shake. If you think about it, running long distances takes practice, patience and resilience. As someone who once ran track and cross-country, I get it. (Although, let’s be honest, these days, the only reason I’d be running is to save my life- haha!)

But back to the point. When something “gives you legs,” it means you’ve found the passion that drives you to stand tall and fight for what truly matters. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, passion is “a very powerful feeling…” It’s that intense emotion- whether it excites you or even angers you- that becomes the fuel propelling you forward. It’s the spark that lights a fire inside, pushing you to move ahead with determination and purpose.

Being passionate about things that build people up and do good for our communities is more than just a personal drive; it’s a commitment to making the world a better place. When we focus our energy on uplifting others, we create ripples of positivity that extend far beyond ourselves. This kind of passion fuels actions that foster growth, inclusivity and support, creating environments where everyone has the opportunity to grow. 

Now, here’s the part we sometimes forget: Practice. Just like running, you’re going to hit walls, and there will be moments when you feel like you’re out of breath. But remember this- you’re not alone in hitting those walls. Everyone faces setbacks. The key is to keep practicing, to keep building the endurance you need to overcome those hurdles.

Whether you’re running a race or chasing your dreams, there will be hills and challenges. But just like any human, the strength you need is already inside you. The muscle you need to exercise the most is your willpower- the drive to keep going, even when it’s tough. And the good news is, you don’t have to be perfect. You just have to keep showing up- and continue to lean in.

And here’s another thing: Even when you don’t hear it, there are people cheering you on from the sidelines. They may not always be loud, but they’re there with their signs, rooting for you to keep going. So, this is your reminder: Keep running. Because when you run with passion, you’re never truly running alone.

To wrap things up, take a moment to reflect on what truly lights that fire within you. Grab a piece of paper and jot down the things that drive you, the passions that make you want to stand up and make a difference. Once you identify those, seek out a network that shares your vision, and together, grow and build a strong support system.

Remember, doing good for our communities starts with each of us- it’s up to all of us to create change at the grassroots level. Let your passion be the force that pushes you forward, driving your actions and fueling your journey to make a lasting impact.