How My Political Views Have Evolved

When I reflect on how my political views have changed over time, I see a journey of growth, introspection, and an unwavering commitment to truth. For those who have followed CherryCoBiz from its beginnings, you might recall a time when this blog was purely about health, wellness, and reimagining MLMs. CherryCoBiz was my experiment—a hub for holistic living and thoughtful reflection. But as I wrote about mangosteen, mindfulness, and meaningful living, I realized something profound: true wellness cannot exist in a vacuum. Our health, happiness, and future are all deeply shaped by the political systems we live under.

Years ago, I supported Donald Trump. It’s not a statement I share lightly, but it’s my truth. At the time, I trusted the narratives around me—the media I consumed, the opinions of those in my circle. I believed I was making an informed choice. Hindsight, however, is a powerful teacher. I now see how that decision was rooted in misinformation and a lack of critical thinking—not just on my part, but across a significant portion of our nation.

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When I Started Questioning My Beliefs

My political awakening wasn’t an overnight process. I can trace it back to a conversation with a family member who once advised me to “vote for the devil you know.” At the time, this advice meant choosing familiarity over uncertainty—an idea that seemed logical but ultimately didn’t account for the complexities we’re facing today. I trusted this person and believed they had my best interests at heart.

Looking back, I realize that advice might have made sense in a different context, but 2024 was not that year. Joe Biden initially ran for re-election, but his first debate performance highlighted concerns about his age, which became a focal point for voters. While Trump technically lost the debate, Biden didn’t come across as the powerhouse leader we needed in that moment. Had Biden stayed in the race, this might have been the year to follow the advice to vote for the devil you know.

I would have voted for Biden—I wanted anyone but Trump. But as soon as Biden dropped from the race, Kamala Harris was tapped in to lead the Democratic ticket. RFK Jr. was also running, but he wasn’t making waves the way Trump did. Trump dominates the news cycle—for all the wrong reasons—making it impossible to avoid his presence.

Ultimately, I cast my vote for Harris, believing in her vision and leadership. She wasn’t the “devil we knew” in the way Biden might have been perceived, but someone new—someone who gave me hope in an otherwise bleak political landscape.

Despite this shift, the political stage still felt dominated by the shadow of Trump’s past presidency. And when he returned as the Republican nominee, I couldn’t help but reflect on what might have been if the advice to vote for the devil you know had played out differently in earlier elections. Perhaps we wouldn’t be here now, facing the fallout of a convicted felon running for—and winning—the presidency.

When I brought up these concerns to the same family member, I thought we could have another meaningful conversation. At first, it felt like they were genuinely considering my perspective. But as the discussion progressed, they leaned on their years of experience, dismissing my views outright, almost as though they knew better simply because they had lived longer.

When I explained the dangers of Project 2025, their response mirrored many others: “Trump said he has nothing to do with it.” But after the election, even his allies admitted it was all part of the plan. For those unfamiliar, Project 2025 is a roadmap created by far-right think tanks to consolidate presidential power and reshape federal government structures in ways that could dramatically alter democracy as we know it.

Imagine a federal agency responsible for protecting public health being dismantled overnight, leaving communities vulnerable to crises. Or picture environmental protections gutted, leaving corporations free to pollute without accountability. These changes wouldn’t just affect the government—they would shape the lives of everyday Americans, impacting our health, our environment, and our ability to trust the systems meant to protect us. It’s a chilling prospect that underscores the need for vigilance, awareness, and action.

Despite the pain of that exchange, I’ve chosen to hold onto love for my family. Many have cut ties over political differences, but that’s not the path I want to take. No matter how this all plays out, if my family needs me, I’ll be there. We all make mistakes. What matters is how we move forward—together, if possible.

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The Intersection of Politics and Wellness

I never intended for CherryCoBiz to delve into politics. My focus has always been on embracing life, pursuing wellness, and seeking truth. But as I’ve grown, I’ve come to see that politics is inescapable. It affects every facet of our lives—our health, our opportunities, and our futures. Ignoring it would be a disservice to my mission and my readers.

Just as I seek the best products and practices for mind, body, and soul, I’m now committed to seeking the best leaders and policies for our collective health. Recognizing the connection between politics and wellness is only the first step. The real work lies in how we respond and take action.

Holistic wellness isn’t just about recipes, product reviews, or self-care tips. It’s about standing up for what’s right, calling out injustices, and advocating for a better, healthier society—not one where RFK Jr., with his dangerous anti-vaccine rhetoric, runs the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Leadership like his wouldn’t just undermine public health initiatives—it could erode public trust in science and medicine, leaving communities vulnerable to preventable diseases and undermining efforts to prepare for future health crises.

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A Call for Critical Thinking and Action

If there’s one thing the 2024 election has taught me, it’s that too many of us are failing to do our homework. Politics isn’t just a game—it’s the blueprint for our collective future. Leaders make decisions that ripple through every corner of our lives, and those decisions can uplift or devastate.

Here’s what I’ve learned, and what I hope you’ll take away:

• Challenge What You Hear: Don’t take things at face value. Research, fact-check, and seek out diverse perspectives.
• Vote: Show up. Every election. Your voice matters, and staying silent only lets others make decisions for you.
• Volunteer: Whether it’s for a campaign, a voter registration drive, or a local issue you care about, your time can make a big impact.
• Support Initiatives: Contribute to organizations working for equity, accountability, and transparency. Small actions lead to big change.
• Engage with Compassion: Political divides are real, but they don’t have to be insurmountable. Listen to others, share your perspective, and build bridges wherever possible.

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Finding Hope in Collective Action

While the challenges we face are significant, I believe in the power of collective action. I’ve seen people come together to make a difference—whether it’s fighting misinformation, advocating for voter rights, or simply having open conversations about tough topics. These moments give me hope.

We all have a role to play in shaping the future. Whether it’s speaking up, showing up, or standing up for what’s right, every action counts.

Isn’t it time we demand better—not just for ourselves, but for the future of our collective wellness—and work together to make it happen?