Your Heart Is the Spark: How Caring Deeply Can Change the World By Julie Bjelland, LMFT

In January 2025, an anonymous person shared an idea online that would spark one of the largest coordinated protest movements in recent U.S. history:

“50 protests. 50 states. One day.”

That simple phrase became the foundation of what is now known as the 50501 Movement — representing 50 states, 50 protests, and one shared goal. The movement called for peaceful resistance in every state, united by a common belief in protecting democracy, human rights, and collective well-being.

What began as a quiet call to action soon gained momentum. It resonated with people across the country who felt deeply concerned about rising authoritarianism and the erosion of compassion in public policy.

Within weeks, individuals and grassroots organizers mobilized. Soon after, more than 200 national and local organizations joined in support — groups like the ACLU, MoveOn, Indivisible, Black Lives Matter, and countless community-based coalitions.

This wave of collaboration led to the No Kings Day protests on June 14, 2025 — a day when millions of people across all 50 states rose up in peaceful, defiant solidarity.

Over 2,000 cities participated. Local groups, families, teachers, nurses, artists, students, elders, and organizers stood shoulder to shoulder. They held signs. Sang songs. Made their voices heard.

The ripple effects are already being felt — in conversations, in communities, and in a renewed sense of hope.

What Can One Action Do?

Sometimes the world tells us that we’re too small to matter. But the truth is:

• One person sharing an idea can ignite a national movement.
• One protest sign might plant the seed for someone else to act.
• One conversation could open a heart that shifts policy.
• One email to a lawmaker can become the hundredth they needed to hear.
• One podcast episode, blog post, or social media share can educate thousands.
• One vote. One run for office. One act of courage.

We need more sensitive and neurodivergent people shaping policy, making decisions, and building a world rooted in compassion and justice.

Movements are built on millions of “just one” actions.

Let This Be a Reminder

You don’t need to be loud to be powerful.
You just need to care deeply and take one step forward.

The most meaningful change does not always come from the loudest voices.
It often begins quietly, with someone who has an idea and chooses to show up.
Someone who keeps going, even when it’s uncomfortable or uncertain.
Someone who cares enough to act.

So if you’ve felt heartbroken by injustice, overwhelmed by the state of the world, or unsure where to begin — start with what moves you most.

The cause that you feel in your chest.
The issue that brings tears to your eyes.
The dream you carry that things could be different.

That’s your spark.
And it’s there for a reason.

You don’t have to do everything.
But you can do something.

Write. Speak. Listen. Vote. Share. Protest. Support. Organize. Create. Act.

Whether your action is quiet or bold, small or far-reaching — it matters.

Because change does not come from one person doing everything.
It comes from all of us doing what we can.

And when we do that together — we rise.

What’s One Spark You Could Offer?

Is there an idea stirring in you?
Something you’ve imagined doing to make things better?

What’s one action, one idea, one truth you care deeply about?

Feel free to share it in the comments, in your journal, in conversation — or take a first step toward making it real.

You never know what your spark might ignite.

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About the Author
Julie Bjelland, LMFT, is a licensed psychotherapist, author, and the Founder of Sensitive Empowerment. She specializes in high sensitivity and adult-discovered autism and is passionate about helping sensitive and neurodivergent people thrive. Through her consultations, courses, global community, and podcast reaching over 189 countries, Julie’s work centers around empowering the people who feel deeply—the ones who will help heal the world. Learn more about Julie’s extensive resources at www.JulieBjelland.com

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