A couple days ago, I came across a poster in the window of First Slice, a coffee and pie shop by the nearby commuter station.

The poster was in the style of World War II “Keep Calm, Carry On” notices the British government plastered throughout London’s subway stations, encouraging locals to keep a stiff upper lip. The campaign to poster-ize public spaces with this motto was intended to keep morale up in preparation for Nazi bombings and other acts of aggression.

Instead of the words, “Carry On,” under the crown, symbol of the monarchy, were the words AND VOTE.

Life has been so tumultuous the last four years. There’s always been strong differences of opinion on politics and social matters, but things have never been so contentious.

In recent years, people have approached Thanksgiving dinners and all range of gatherings with extra trepidation that “conversations” might break out, that expressing different points of view might get too heated.

I have personally found it hard to take in how differently some of my friends see the world. I’ve probably come off as self-righteous, and I regret that, but it has been hard for me to fathom that some people really believe Hillary Clinton and high-profile progressive celebrities run a child porno ring.

I have been disturbed by how many people seem more bothered by looting in protest than by abuse of power.  (I’m not in favor of destructive behaviors of any sort, but windows can be replaced, right? Lives can’t.)

It’s been hard to believe that these few words (“Keep calm, carry on”) were supposed to comfort people on the eve of what might have been the end of the world, the end of THEIR world, at least.

But using the words “and VOTE” to complete this directive has caused me to think a lot.

I come back to a single human life. Amid all the problems of the world, I have to ask, What can one person do?

And the answer comes back to me…All that he or she can.

• Vote.
• Help other people vote.
• Give money to people or causes that matter to you.
• Work a shift in a phone bank.
• Write an op-ed.
• Be willing to have uncomfortable discussions.
• Forward information that helps people make good decisions.
• Do not forward information that is inaccurate or has not been vetted. Report suspect communications.
• Jump a neighbor’s car battery.
• Leave a slice of cake for someone who is a shut-in.
• Volunteer in a food pantry.
• Clean your closets. Give clothes you no longer wear to organizations which can re-distribute them.
• Think of others as deserving the rights and privileges you enjoy.

Voting is an act of empowerment.  Feeling that your vote is counted, that your experience and concerns matter to your larger community is a right that people have fought and died over.

Everyone can do so many things. I am grateful I can take small steps in the right direction.

Beyond exercising your right to vote, any act you can perform to ensure others get to have their vote count is no small thing.

A post on the inspiring life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the importance of incremental victories appears in the collection.  The Best of No Small Thing — Mindful Meditations.  Click HERE for to learn how you can buy the book.