“I think life is always dangerous. Some people get afraid of it. Some people are afraid of it. Some people don’t go forward. But some people, if they want to achieve their goal, they have to go. They have to move…” ~ Malala Yousafzai
It has been a week since the Women’s March, originally planned as a march on our nation’s capital the day after our presidential inauguration. What began as a peaceful protest in Washington D.C. mushroomed out across our nation and spilled out onto all seven continents. It is now being called the largest demonstration in U.S. history, all done with zero arrests.
My husband and I marched in San Diego, CA and we are still reflecting back on the powerful emotions, images and the significance of that day. The latest numbers I have read for “sister marches” show upwards of 673 marches across the globe, totaling 3.3 million people. Never have I been more proud to be a woman. Never have I felt more of a interconnectedness with all humans world-wide.
Whatever your motivation for marching, one thing is certain – this was our wake-up call. No matter where we live we must stay informed and be an active participant in our life, no longer just an idle spectator as I have been prone to do in the past. The rights that our ancestors fought so hard for are in jeopardy once again, not to mention the rights of Mother Earth, who we assault daily. We must respectfully question lawmakers’ decisions and understand how those decisions affect our future and that of our loved ones. We must live a life that honors all others and we must act against hatred and ignorance in our world.
At times I grow weary thinking about all the work ahead of us but then Gandhi’s words, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world”, echo in my head and I wonder how I can ever go back to being that girl I was before the march. I do believe this much – our silence will not protect us.
I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of support by women and men across the globe. So many of you know persecution well. I honor your courage and am proud to have walked with you.
NOTE: All slideshow images courtesy of npr.com and nytimes.com.
Paint Your Landscape 
Good for you & Terry, marching in San Diego. My brother & sister-n-law went to Washington, DC. They said it was amazing. We’re in the Dominican Republic & I checked to see if there was one around here, but sadly no. Collins & I had said we would have gone to Washington, if we’d be in the US. You’re so right, we can no longer stand still & let things go by.
Thanks for your comment Karen. I hope you both are enjoying the Dominican Republic.
I knew there were a lot of walks, throughout the world, but I had no idea there were so many. My Brazilian son and his family are definitely against Trump. I want to thank you for opening my eyes, for what is going on. I thought I couldn’t do anything about what was to be, but maybe that’s not true. I support you all the way. If there’s anything I can do, please let me know. I don’t know if there is an organized group where I live, but I will check it out. Good luck in your endeavors.
Thanks Joan.
Love your entry, LuAnn. I was unable to be at a march, but wore a black armband at Old Faithful and talked with others. One visitor wore a Bernie for President t-shirt. I walked by then came back and told him that I loved his shirt. I had to walk on as I was choked up. Tomorrow I will be attending a Public Lands Rally in Helena. There are so many assaults on so many fronts… Together we will make a stand and we WILL make a difference.
Right on Julianne. I heard about the Public Lands Rally in Helena. So happy to hear someone I know will be there. The flip side of my sign said “Keep President Obama’s Vision Alive”. When we were marching I went up to a young woman in her 20’s and said I love your sign. It read “We will make you proud President Obama”. She saw my sign and gave me the biggest hug. We both pulled away with tears in our eyes. It was a wonderful day.
So awesome LuAnn that you were able to participate in the march and it’s obvious that the experience has been a huge rallying cry heard round the world. We’re doing a small part here in Portugal by Skyping and emailing our Senators and representatives regarding so many of the issues that are suddenly at stake once again and the civil rights that are in jeopardy. It’s been a hard week for those of us watching and I want to thank you so much for your activism. Good on you! Anita
And thank you so much for your part Anita, even while being away from the eye of the storm. We need to keep up the heat!
Thank you! I appreciate you and everyone who marched and rallied across the globe! I attended the sister event in Indianapolis and it was inspiring and uplifting. It was a day of chills and tears! And yes, together, we are stronger!
Thank you for participating Debi. And yes, together we are stronger!
I am so proud to call you my virtual friend. You and all the thousands of others make me so proud that we live in a country where we can speak out for what we feel is unjust. At least for now we have that opportunity.
One day we will be more than just virtual friends, but to have you as any kind of friend is an honor for me Marsha. I have to believe that if we continue to speak out about injustices, we will make a difference.
Thank you, dear friend. We do and will always make a difference no matter the person who thinks will control us.
So very true.
Hi… been missing for a while and to be honest am still not sure how he became President when so many are against him… but then it will take decade for me to undedstand American politics…. hell I struggle to understand our own, but then this is Africa…
Well hello there Mr. Bulldog. Haven’t chatted for awhile. Hope you and your lovely wife are doing well. As for how Mr. Trump is where he is, do you have a couple of hours? 😦
Thank you for marching! I marched in Oakland with my granddaughter and in San Francisco with my husband. It was so empowering!
Excellent Rusty! I have already seen other marches in our area that are being organized, one regarding climate change and another to support our Public Lands.
Bravo to the two of you for standing up and marching. It is astounding to me what is going on this weekend in the US. Heartbreaking.
I think in some respects I am still in shock. And the way it is all being spun by his administration is laughable. I am so grateful to all those across the globe who marched as well.
Wonderful you participated in this powerful march. I am devastated at the latest news but am not shocked and sadly we must brace ourselves as this is just tge beginning. It is going to get very very ugly.
I read that 200 people were arrested in DC for peaceful protest at the inauguration and have still not been released. Some reporters, others just regular citizens.
Thanks for the global virtual hug. We all need it!
Peta
I too believe it will get much worse but hopefully this “movement” will be just that and we will not back down. I knew there were arrests the day of the inauguration and their were a small group who were damaging property. Don’t know who they were but we are hearing that the following day at the march there were no arrests, a completely peaceful march. This is heartbreaking. I want to send a message out to everyone across the globe that this is not who we are. We open our arms to everyone. We are a country of immigrants. We have a madman at the helm. There, I said it!
Great!!
I, too, am prone to silence and inaction even when I feel strongly about something. I worry too much about offending, but if there were ever a time to step out and be heard, it is now! Thanks for your words of inspiration.
My pleasure! I have lived a life trying to please others, and that has meant quite often not speaking up for myself and others when I should have. That has changed. I cannot go back to the girl I was before the march. I will respectfully disagree when I feel strongly about an issue. And I feel strongly that what is happening right now in our country is NOT who we are.
Very nice narrative, LuAnn, sharing your experience and thoughts:)
Thanks Pam.
You’ve hit the nail on the head…remain committed and project love, not hate, towards humans and their rights as well as the planet. I’m with you, sister!
I knew you were Lisa!
Beautifully, compassionately, and powerfully written, LuAnn. I agree with you, we must not be silent. We must speak up and take action to care for our planet and all beings and not expect that someone else will do it for us. The images you chose of people gathering around the world give me hope. We had 8,000 march in our town of 20,000—we will not give up.
While I marched I found myself time and again thinking about others I knew were marching in other cities. I had no idea of the magnitude of the crowds, not just in this country but across the globe. I have already seen a couple of other marches that are being discussed, one about climate change and another about supporting our Public Lands. Hopefully this movement will continue.
Thank you for your hug, Luann and thank you for taking action. We too love this earth!
No matter what our political leanings, we must continue to fight to stave off climate change. We seem to be the only species who time and time again soils their own nest. If we continue to ignore climate change with our policies, nothing else will matter. This is our home. Ok, I’m stepping down off my soapbox now.
So proud to be a part of the women and all the people who marched. Glad to stand in solidarity for the rights of ALL.
Right on sister!
Over one million people have sighed a petition to have Donald Trump stopped from visiting the UK…its unprecedented but not surprising. From what I hear the Republicans are deserting in droves. Maybe the message will get through to those around Trump (obviously it won’t penetrate his mind) that the people will not stand for this farce.
Wonderfully written by the way my friend.
I had heard that as well Ste J. I think it would be a wonderful thing if the world leaders, and the rest of the world for that matter, began to shun him. His isolationist views are very interesting for a “malignant narcissist” who has a dire need to be idolized. I cannot believe this is happening in America. This is NOT who we are. 😦
Perhaps he thinks he can turn America into a North Korean style state where all praise goes to the leader who can do no wrong. I think if one world leader really spoke up the rest would follow even though they fear being cut out of trade deals, especially the UK after Brexit.
He thrives on praise, being the consummate narcissist. Unfortunately, due to trade deals and him being a bully, I don’t see any foreign leader speaking up any time soon. Members of his own party who are squeamish are not speaking up. Everyone is worried about being re-elected instead of working for its citizens who put them into office. 😦
I thank you and everyone who participated in the global marches. Although I was unable to join in, I support the movement wholeheartedly and hope to be more involved going forward. You are right, we must stand up for our freedoms now or we won’t have much left to fight for in the future.
Thank you Marcia and so true.
LuAnn, an old friend who lives in the DC area just visited and she and a couple of family members marched. In her words: “The crowds were astounding.” I’ve deliberately avoided discussing our new clown prince (so-called President), but hope that as the number of voices of dissent get louder, someone in the Capital will begin to listen. It’s not happening yet, but we can only hope. ~James
I find myself a bit stressed at times but I do try to remain hopeful as well James.
I definitely became more aware. I had no idea how everyone is in sync with their views and voices and their fire to tell the world about it. Powerful images, powerful post. WTG, Lu. I have to say that I’ve been guilty, but I have personal and professional matters to attend to. Excuses I know. 🙂 Anywho, at least I finally voted (absentee) on the last election.
Until this election, although I have always voted, I really had checked out, being too complacent. I don’t feel I can do that any longer.
Just checking in to be sure all’s ok in your lives.. That header image is fantastic – and it illustrates a collective union of cultures/people who stand for hope… it put tears in my eyes…
I just finished commenting to another blogger friend that I have stepped away from blogging and have focused all of my energy on doing what I can to stem the flow of madness. For me I have found that I need to step back or I will be the one mad. 🙂 I have made the decision to do what I can, within limits, and start blogging again. I will be back soon Lisa. Hope all is well with you.
What’s most important is the quality of each day – of each minute! You two have had a lot of challenges over the past few years, and you deserve – no you have earned – quality time!!! It’s good to get a smoke signal!
My husband and I were at the San Diego march too… it was an amazing and uplifting event. I can’t believe that idiot is still in office.
It was a special experience, wasn’t it? I can’t believe that there are still so many who support him. Thanks for stopping by.