Warrioring 101

There is a lot going on in my head these days – this may be because there is a lot going on in the world. We are bombarded daily with news from around the globe, most of it not good – it can get to a girl. Sometimes I would like to put my head under my pillow and pretend that everything will be just fine if I stay really still and really quiet. Other times I rage at the television wondering how the hell we are ever going to fix this mess and what I can do to help.

It has occurred to me recently that I don’t have to know how to fix anything – there are plenty of people with plenty of ideas. They don’t need another thinker – they need do-ers. An idea requires an army to mobilize – generals are just people standing in a field alone if they don’t have warriors.

And I thought – I can be a warrior. I can choose my cause. I can find a general. I can march. This was a lightbulb moment for me – an awakening. And it was also nothing new. People have been marching for causes since there were causes to march for. There just seems to be so many more causes these days, and so many more people to mobilize

Back in January we participated in the Women’s march. It was amazing. It was invigorating – I felt like I was part of a larger whole.


There has never been a fitter generation of grandmothers nor have they ever been more informed. I feel very fortunate to be part of this group – we are active activists.

We are mothers and daughters on a mission. Marching like the suffragettes before us.



The experience left me feeling hopeful.

In April we hit the street in a March for Science. Earth Day, and the warriors showed up.



A Planet loving parade of people standing up for the future.

There is a big difference in marching FOR something and protesting against.  One march is hopeful, the other, angry.

I was starting to catch the wave.  One voice by itself has a hard time being heard – a group of voices makes a statement.



Last week my posse gathered to march for the Marine Mammal Rescue Centre and the Vancouver Aquarium.

We joined 500 people who showed up in weather that was unfit for ducks.  Again we were part of a larger whole – an army of peaceful participants.  Marching FOR what we deemed a worthwhile cause.

We are really getting into the swing of this warrioring business and we are preparing a new generation of warriors to be the receiver of the baton.

We can leave the strategies to the organizers – the details to the generals. All we have to do is show up when a cause touches us. Participate – step up – speak up. Warrior!