Gratitude

I stole a few minutes for myself today to watch a river that I have swam, floated, let my kids and dogs splash in, and flyfished on. I just watched. The river was running strong, lapping the banks, leaping rocks, in a hurry to find the ocean.

This moment of calm reminded me how important it is to feel grateful.

This week, I am publicizing some of the folks who endorse my campaign for Idaho governor. These endorsements remind us all that we are friends and allies. We care about the same things. We are partners who won’t stand by as freedom is under attack. We are capable people who want to reclaim our government. We are a powerful team that will survive turbulent times, and thrive in the better times to come. 

For that, I am so grateful. 

As I reflect on this moment, I think of all of us who refuse to retreat from the world, who refuse to accept our leaders’ lies, who won’t let anyone convince us we don’t matter. This much emotional weight requires us to step back on occasion, to calm down, and to remember why we fight.

For me, I fear for my loved ones. I want my daughter to have the same rights I once had. I want Idaho to be a place where my kids can live with dignity and purpose. I want that for my friends. I even want that for my enemies. When I remember all this, then I remember that it’s not the fight that defines us. It’s the love that defines us. Love gives us strength to fight.

So, I am excited about the campaign ahead. 

The way forward will be hectic, so we need to resist the temptation to simply abandon ourselves to one battle after another. Let’s help each other remember to pause. I am a mother, an attorney, a small business owner, an outdoorswoman, and a volunteer. These things make me love. These things are why I fight. 

I don’t care if I come off a little corny here, but I mean it from my heart: I love you all for letting me be in this fight with you. Thank you for trusting me to be Idaho’s next governor.