'Interesting' Times

 

As I scroll through the online groups I belong to, it is easy to become depressed at the state of the world right now.

Can't help but think about a half remembered poem 'This is how the world ends - not with a bang but a whimper.'

The world seems to be falling apart right now.  Little 'liberal' victories are happening here and there, but other places?  Not so much.

What do I do about it?  What *can* I do about it?

In reality, not much.

In the end, our country counted as one of those tiny 'liberal' victories, although the bad actors have not gone away - and won't.  They were so close to victory they could taste it, as they say.  And we have the added 'bonus' of media promoting the 'both sides' doctrine instead of trying to report the facts.  

How do I find meaning in my life?  A way to continue?

I come back to what I *can* do as a way to fight off the worry/anxiety about what I cannot change.

I can share hope and love.  I can stay as positive as possible, and encourage others to do what they can.  Not everyone can do much, and it is wise to remember that, when we ask 'why isn't someone doing something to fix this?'

The only person we can 'control' is our own selves, so I suggest that people take a long hard look at what is happening, and what they can actually do.

So, here is my approach:

Stand up and tell people what you believe in.  Stay positive, as best you can.  For every election, find out as much as you can about who is running - what they actually stand for, not mealy-mouthed platitudes which can be interpreted in various ways - what do they *actually* mean?  

If you know something about history or politics, cast a wary eye over anyone who promises that everything is broken and only they will fix it - without actually saying anything of substance.  Slogans are not platforms.  A document like Project 2025 is a platform.  And our Canadian Conservatives have adopted it for their platform, too.

I do NOT want to be 'annexed' - which is a weasel word for 'I want your resources and I'm going to come and grab them'.  I am not USian, I am Canadian, and I have zero desire to be 'forced' to join the US as a 'state' - no doubt without voting rights.  For all the USian 'liberals' saying that Canadians will force the US to become more 'liberal'?   That means we would have to be given the vote - and I rather doubt the anti-liberal president would chance that happening.

A few minutes ago I saw an interview with a self described Trump supporter, who is now shocked that ICE isn't looking to deport 'criminals', but anyone who looks Mexican.  And he was appalled.  What 'woke' him?  Trump and his minions, doing what they promised to do all along.

I refuse to watch the alt right media.  I don't need to, I'm well familiar with their message of hate and aggrievance.  I need to focus on the messages of hope and positivity.  And prepare myself to make sure I vote in a way that mostly helps, rather than hurts.  If someone offers a simple answer to the world's problems, I will be extremely skeptical - because humans are complicated and very seldom do 'simple' answers work for every person.

In my daily life, I will continue trying to teach about textiles, and weaving.  Never mind the piles of tea towels etc. I already have on my shelves.  At some point this chaos will resolve, one way or another and perhaps I can sell more of my stuff.  But if not, I can keep writing (for so long as someone wants me to write for them), and weaving 'samples' to illustrate what I'm writing about.

Counting my blessings sounds trite, but sometimes it is A Good Thing to remember the things that are meaningful and pleasing in our lives.

And when I get tired, I am allowed to take a break and try to rest.

Sending hope and love to everyone who wants it.  If you need a cup of kindness, I will offer what I can.  A positive word.  A virtual hug.  Will continue to tie a knot in the end of my rope and hang on...but don't give up.  Keep 'fighting'.  #elbowsUp