On December 12th, I, like most of the country went out and voted in the General Election, the 3rd in my lifetime that I’ve been able to vote in. This election was the first one I’ve felt properly engaged with and interested in, after months of feeling disillusioned with the political landscape; so this particular year I made a conscious effort to read up on the manifestos,talk with my friends to get their views and better educate myself; and therefore make an informed decision.

I voted, and so did other people, as is their democratic right; I’m not here to criticise people for having an opinion, even though as I found out on December 13th, that opinion was different to my own. I voted Labour because I wanted change, agreed with their ideology, and supported their policies. Brexit never came to my mind, nor did the question of whether or not I like Jeremy Corbyn – I just wanted a better life for myself and others – simple as.

On hearing the result then, my overwhelming feeling was one of disappointment that we’ll have 5 years of the same: disabled people like myself unable to find jobs and unable to get the care we need, and continually treated like we just don’t matter, funding for the NHS and education further stripped away and above all just feeling like the country has lost its ability to care for other people as it became an election purely about “getting Brexit Done”, as Johnson continually assures us will happen. Now, a few days on, I’m still disappointed, sad and scared not only for me but for all those close to me who have their own struggles to deal with, and for the direction our country seems to be heading in. It felt so easy to become apathetic and want to give up.

But that’s what society seems to want; people like me to be silent and submissive, just accept that we have our lot in life and we’re incapable of change. But that’s boring and I’ve been doing it for far too long in my adult life; I have a voice and I’m going to use it, first by continuing to be creative. Next year though, those plans will get bigger – I want to do something big to raise money for charity, though unsure what yet! I essentially want to endeavour to be a more proactive, giving version of myself, and can’t wait to see how that take shape – a first step will be revealed in a blog next week!