I FAILED

I like having a place to come and write. I needed this yesterday, but forgot about it. Yesterday is what brings me here today.

 Failure was my word of the day. Me and my failure.

Yesterday was voting day, and ALL DAY LONG on facebook I kept seeing "I voted!" "Just did my civic duty" "No excuses! Go vote!!" and I wanted to kill someone.

I didn't vote yesterday. I didn't even know what was on the ballot. When it comes to politics, I know close to nothing. For that reason, I chose not to vote. My civic duty is not simply to vote, but to INFORM myself, and THEN vote.

My irritation toward the voting comments was stemming directly from my shame of ignorance. I felt like each comment was a personal accusation, so I got defensive. It's a problem of mine: perceived condemnation=defensive rant.

Today my shame of ignorance continues, but in a good way. I'm still glad I didn't vote; that WAS the right choice, given the circumstances, but today I've decided to change.

ONE OF THE BEST THINGS I'VE LEARNED IS THAT MY FLAWS ARE MY FAULT. This means I have the power to change them.

I SHOULD have an active role in local politics. I SHOULD be an INFORMED voter. SHOULD SHOULD SHOULD. So I will.

Today I start my newest endeavor: political wisdom and knowledge(WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE ARE VERY DIFFERENT THINGS--BOTH ARE NECESSARY). Instead of entrenching myself more deeply in defensive excuses, I'll admit I FAILED. That word can be surprisingly comforting when you control it. I can admit I failed when I can also admit that I'm wise enough to change.

I will not, however, wear an "I voted!" sticker. EVER.