Just a thought… It’s never too late to be what you might have been. [George Eliot]

So who the heck am I, anyway? Is 61 a little ripe to be discovering one’s voice?

Well, a loud HELL NO to that question.

See, here’s the thing. And I’m going to use the word “brand” – something most people can neither relate to, nor care about – when it comes to myself.

All those years on the radio, my job, or brand, was to be on the airwaves, but not to make any waves. My entire work and personal life existence was built around not losing a listener: don’t have an opinion on something one way or the other, don’t state anything that could be the least bit offensive, and whatever you do, don’t give them a reason to tune away.

For the most part, for almost 40 years, I did exactly that.

The “play nice” mantra carried on into my reWirement: I tried not to offend in any of my blog or video posts (although five years back, holding my tongue about anti-vaxxers was impossible – and I’m still okay with that). My freelance work in podcasting, whether for a big body like the Canadian Real Estate Association or our own podcast, Gracefully and Frankly with Lisa Brandt, were built on a foundation of a sparkly beige countertop. Be palatable, don’t offend, be sure people are happy and, whatever you do, don’t be controversial. And NO politics!

But these days, it’s too important in our country’s young history to be quiet, to be demure, to be a lady.

Now that I’m openly and actively campaigning for the Liberal candidate in a longtime Green riding here on southern Vancouver Island which is currently held by prominent Canadian Elizabeth May, I’m wearing a button, helping candidate David Beckham get some eyes and traction where he had none, and not wavering in my support for PM Mark Carney.

But what does this do to my “brand?” Does it open trolls to give me bad reviews on my book or my sleep podcast Drift with Erin Davis, to try to hurt me via back channels? Possibly; I refuse to check. But there’s more at stake here than what’s in it for – or even against – me.

Yes, I wimped out: Rob and I were too protective of my own mental health against the climate of meanness and lies for me to consider running when the suggestion was made (as tempted as I was to serve and *bonus*: spend part of my time nearer our grandkids in Ottawa), but I’m doing the next best thing.

Here’s a promise: because I respect you and your intelligence, I won’t try to change your mind, or even influence your vote (not that anyone on the internet should, no matter what you may think of them). All I can do is my part, so that when it’s over, if our grandkids Colin and Jane ask what we did in 2025, we will have an answer that will make them proud. It may even influence them to try to make a difference when they’re a bit older. We can hope.

For too long we’ve been afraid of what the neighbours might think; now as we look south of the border we see what many of them are doing, and we can’t care about anyone but ourselves and our country any longer.

It’s time for us to stand up for Canada, for our home, for our country. Less than one month of effort is worth a lifetime of freedom and comfort, don’t you think? When has Canada ever asked anything in return (except during tax season lol) for the endless bounty and opportunity she has offered to so many of us?

Call your campaign office. Order those signs. Wear those buttons. Make that donation! Don’t accept the status quo – change happens one vote at a time (either way).

And remember that nothing worth doing is easy. And Canada is definitely worth the effort. It’s just (less than) one month.