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Connor Archer is the founder and chairman/CEO of The Courageous Steps Project, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization serving children and young adults with varying abilities and challenges in Maine. At the age of 3, he was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, which he still lives with today. He is a 2023 inductee into the Husson University Alumni Hall of Fame.
In recent months, I have remained quiet about the current state of the world. Not because I don’t care, but because — like so many others — I simply don’t have the energy to engage in every debate, every controversy, every crisis. Each day brings new challenges, and for those of us who already carry heavy responsibilities, adding the weight of the world’s struggles can feel overwhelming.
But even in the midst of uncertainty, I remind myself of one simple truth: not all change is bad. This is coming from someone who has struggled with change his entire life. Do I agree with everything happening right now? Certainly not, and that goes for all sides of the conversation. Some changes could be damaging to the individuals and families I work with, and I understand why so many people feel scared and overwhelmed.
That’s why, before I react, I take a step back. Instead of immediately forming an opinion or jumping into the fray, I give myself five minutes to consider different viewpoints. Not to validate every perspective, but to understand where people are coming from. From there, I can take meaningful action — whether that’s educating others, advocating for practical solutions, or even challenging my own assumptions. Because who knows? I may learn something I hadn’t considered before.
This approach — seeking solutions rather than fueling division — is something I’ve always believed in. It’s easy to say, “We need to do this,” but change doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Real progress comes when we lay out a plan, invite others to the table, and work toward solutions that benefit everyone. When you build bridges instead of burning them, moving forward becomes ten times easier.
Right now, what we need more than anything is to pause, listen, and care for each other, even when we disagree. Instead of overreacting to every headline, I choose to take control of what’s in front of me. That means having civil, respectful conversations with those who hold the answers, as well as with those who are searching for them.
Most importantly, it means protecting our own wellbeing. I struggle with this daily. I care deeply about the work I do, and unplugging from it is difficult. But I’ve learned that setting boundaries is necessary to becoming the best version of ourselves. Without balance, we lose sight of the very things we are working towards.
No matter what side of an issue you stand on, know this: I will listen to you. I will respect you. That’s how it should be. And if we can all take a step back to do the same for each other, maybe — just maybe — we can find a way forward.
