Purpose and Peace
August 2025
In times of social unrest, political division, and rapid global change, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or even hopeless. Many people find themselves toggling between two extremes: total immersion in the daily news cycle or retreating entirely to protect their peace. But there is a middle path-way to stay civically engaged while also prioritizing self-care. I believe you can’t truly thrive without balancing both.
This article explores how to combine meaningful civic action with practices that support your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. These aren’t opposing forces. They are partners in resilience.
In my November 2017 blog I shared a review of Give and Take, a 2014 book by Wharton economist and thought leader Adam Grant. In his book Grant divides people into three categories: givers, takers and matchers. Of these three types of people, both the most and least successful are the givers. The least successful people are those who give too much too often, maintain poor boundaries, and ultimately burn out as failed givers. Grant labels the most successful people as “otherish” givers. They lead with a focus on the needs of others, and at the same time have built in self-protections, a kind of healthy selfishness.
When the topic of civic engagement and volunteering comes up, the advice I offer my career transition clients comes directly from Adam Grant’s model, “Lead with generosity and self-protection.†If you resonate with this concept and would like to learn more, here is a link to my 2017 blog.
One example of “otherish” giving in my life is hosting a seven-month-old black Labrador named Gracie for two weeks for the Can Do Canines service dog organization. One of their programs includes training service dogs at several Minnesota and Wisconsin prisons, and volunteers are needed to periodically bring these dogs into their homes. We will be taking Gracie on numerous outings to introduce her to the types of homes and community settings she will occupy after her nine month training program at the prison is completed.
Fifteen years ago our family was able to successfully complete a two-and-a-half-year service dog training program with the Helping Paws organization. At this stage of our lives, however, we need to set tighter boundaries on our volunteering. We anticipate that a two week “prison break” training program will fit nicely into our schedules every few months or so. Because of our positive past experience training a service dog, and knowing the emotional transformation and purpose these dogs bring to the prisoners who train them, we can’t wait to start the program!
In the article that follows, I continue this theme of achieving purpose and peace by leading with generosity in civic engagements and volunteering, while at the same time practicing self-care. I created and edited this blog with the assistance of the artificial intelligence tool ChatGPT.
Staying Grounded and Engaged: Civic Engagement and Self-Care in Turbulent Times
Part I: Civic Engagement with Purpose
Civic engagement is more than voting. It’s the sum of the ways we show up for our communities, speak out, and contribute to a healthier democracy. But without focus and intention, it can become exhausting. Here are ten ways to stay involved while maintaining your energy:
1) Focus Your Energy
Choose one or two causes that matter most to you. Pour your attention and resources into them, rather than trying to fix everything.
2) Stay Informed Wisely
Follow reliable news sources, but set time limits. Don’t check headlines first thing in the morning or right before bed.
3) Vote and Help Others Vote
Participate in every election, especially local ones. Encourage friends and neighbors to register, understand the issues, and get to the polls.
4) Speak Up, Respectfully
Share your views in ways that open dialogue, not shut it down. Write to your representatives, join a city council meeting, or have a thoughtful conversation across political lines.
5) Support Local Initiatives
Change often starts at the neighborhood or city level. Attend school board meetings, support local journalism, or volunteer for community projects.
6) Volunteer Strategically
Match your time and talents to organizations that need them. Even a few hours per month can make a meaningful impact.
7) Use Your Wallet for Good
Support businesses that align with your values. Shop locally, donate to nonprofits, and consider where your investments are going.
8) Mentor and Share Knowledge
Support younger generations or peers looking to get more involved. Your lived experience is a powerful guide.
9) Join or Start a Group
Being part of a group adds momentum and emotional support. Whether it’s a reading circle, advocacy group, or nonprofit board, connection sustains action.
10) Celebrate Small Victories
Recognize progress. Whether it’s a policy change, a local cleanup, or a meaningful conversation, celebrating wins keeps us going.
Part II: Self-Care for the Long Haul
You can’t pour from an empty cup. Civic participation that is not paired with rest, reflection, and renewal will eventually lead to burnout. Here’s how to care for yourself while continuing the work:
1) Create Daily Rituals
Start or end your day with a quiet moment: stretching, journaling, or simply sitting with your thoughts. Rituals create calm amidst chaos.
2) Limit News and Social Media
Be intentional about when and how you engage with media. Take breaks from screens and mute sources that elevate stress.
3) Strengthen Relationships
Spend time with people who lift your spirits and energize you. Human connection is a powerful antidote to despair.
4) Practice Gratitude and Reflection
Keep a gratitude journal. Reflect weekly on what gave you hope, what challenged you, and what you learned.
5) Move Your Body
Exercise, walk, stretch — whatever feels good. Physical movement supports mental clarity and emotional resilience.
6) Spend Time in Nature
Even ten minutes outside can regulate your nervous system. Nature grounds us in perspective and beauty.
7) Create Something
Whether it’s a poem, a garden, or a meal, creativity helps process emotions and connect with others.
8) Laugh, Play, and Rest
Joy is not frivolous — it’s fuel for the long journey. Make space for laughter and downtime.
9) Seek Help When You Need It
There is strength in asking for support — whether from a therapist, spiritual guide, or trusted friend.
10) Remember: You Are Not Alone
Others share your concerns and your hopes. Join forces. Talk. Dream together. Action rooted in community is more powerful and sustainable.
Conclusion:
We live in a time that demands both action and reflection. The work of shaping a better world must be balanced with the work of caring for ourselves. When we are burned out, we withdraw. When we feel energized and connected, we show up.
So choose your cause. Take a step. Then rest. Then rise again.
You don’t have to do everything — but you can do something. And that something, done with care, compassion, and consistency, can make all the difference.
