I woke up this morning and knew without a doubt—felt to my deepest core— that the world had changed and there will be no going back to how it was. No going back. Our world, as we knew it, is gone forever.
It brought me to tears.
Our nation is splintered, our representative democracy gravely wounded. Some hearts are breaking while others have been hardened beyond repair.
There is no going back.
The horrific images of our Capitol under siege by thugs who viciously beat law enforcement or anyone who stood in their way, whose idea of protest was complete destruction of our government and assassinating our leaders? Elected officials complicit in sedition?
That’s what the horrible man who sat in the oval for the last four years fomented, helped along by Faux News, which has always been more than hazy about the truth.
Even more appalling is the number of lawmakers who failed to decry this man’s evil deeds and the huge number of Americans unable to see him for who he really is.
There is no going back.
The ease with which we could go to a store, get together or hop a plane, a train or a boat for business or pleasure has become more complicated and fraught with danger, thanks to Covid and a so-called “leader” who ignored the danger because it was politically expedient for him to position it as overblown. Falsely.
Some restaurant owners and other businesses have joined those who want to minimize the danger of Covid, willing to risk the lives of their patrons for their own benefit.
Many people continue to ignore the advice of public health experts.
Our nation is in tatters.
The calm, steady hand of the incoming President has never been more needed and welcome than it is now. Ahead of them, he and his Vice President have the huge and unimaginable task of beginning to repair the country even while a shockingly large number of Americans want to kill them.
We have become a banana republic.
I’m not sure what is going to happen. I don’t know what we can do but provide full-throated support for these two real patriots. Because those of us who understand just how treasonous recent actions are also true patriots.
It strikes me that we let this horrible faction of crazies steal our flag, our national emblem. We should not let them steal the term “patriot” because what they are is the furthest thing from a patriot.
My thoughts are fragmented and a bit anxiety-ridden. This is an inflection point for the nation and I don’t know what is on the other side of the curve. I can’t even imagine what’s ahead, but I know it will be difficult and painful.
What do we do now? I don’t yet have an answer, myself.
When it’s dark, I offer more light. Where there is hate, love. When doubt and fear dominate, I seek words and actions that comfort. So many things are truly beyond our control, but beginning with our own small circles, we can add light, love, and comfort. Lifting these up for you.
I’m frightened, Carol. Of what this week, this next year will bring. From 2022, will we look back on 2021 and smile? Or weep? I applaud the “calm, steady hand” of the incoming President and Vice President. And I especially applaud their courage, because that is what all of us are going to need. Courage. But together, shining light into the darkness, I believe we can bring this beloved country back from the brink.
I’m with you in this!
Beautifully said, with your heart and your soul. And I totally agree. Today they had to stop the inauguration practice because of threats. We were not happy when 45 was elected, but we behaved ourselves. He’s a piece of shit–he’s a criminal, he’s a liar. I want him gone from our country, form my brain, from the news. Fake news is also responsible. Yes, we tried to fight back, but the great unwashed (I’m sorry but truly there are so many ignorant people in this country) and the racists seem to have cut a large hole in our democracy. Can we repair it? Oh and PS, think of all the Christians who signed up for trump only because of abortion. Really!!
Oh Carol, how true your words are. I’ll barely be able to watch Biden on those Capitol steps, although I’m so happy he won. I just want him safely sworn in, task one, of so many more to come.
I’ve been tormented with disgust, anger, frustration, and fear. I was disheartened. I’ve flitted around from ideas to withdrawal and feeling like it’s too late – too late to effect change in our country, in finding “my” people and a consistent message or cause I could stick to. I’ve bounced around feeling like I’m too small, too old to make a difference – sometimes even for my own life and goals. What does it matter anyway, to anyone else?
I’m not a joiner. I shy away. I get discouraged and “flake out.” I have fears.
And yet, I believe in the power of our minds and hearts. I believe in dreams and transformations. I believe it doesn’t take a great deal of time to make change. (I’m currently reading Einstein’s Dreams about time) I don’t like labels and woowoo. But I do believe in meditation, prayer, collective thought and the power of these to raise up the energies, at the very least, of ourselves.
And I guess that’s what I’ve really been missing: myself, my hopefulness deeply planted – it was ripped out! I’ve sporadically dragged it back, but oh how weary it has made me!
And then, I also feel so disappointed in my past lack of “success” I envisioned, so why do I even think there’s reason to continue having lofty ideals and longing for more focused, involving connections and change? Because I do. It’s me. And I think it’s others – like minds and hearts who are hurting right now and have been brutalized, abused by that creature of hate.
What I’ve struggled with is wanting a specific cause or purpose and there are so many! A world of them. So maybe focusing on just thoughts, lifting thoughts, energizing words and images, maybe all that’s needed. All actions will flow out from the changing of the mind. Last week, I was invited to participate at a set time, in a meditation on peace. 30 minutes. No sign in. No commitment. Just be there in time and thought. And I did it. I have never before.
But it helped me. And somehow, it’s empowering.
I’m full of ideas. Always. But I’m not an organizer. I’m not much of a follower either. But I have followed you, Carol. Since a post years ago you made I think about India? And the three images at the top of your page were so pretty they drew me in…
Oh. Ok. I know what it is…I want to fall in love with the world and my place in it, and stay in love, and not have that love dragged down. I want to feel it’s power, and conviction, and belief. I’m grieving my sense of community. Afraid I won’t find it again in myself. I know that’s where it resides…
What if I believed it happens now? Just that easy…Is this crazy talk?
Well, thanks for going on this journey with me. I feel cheered! I hope you do, too!
Peace. Deep and beautiful. All things beautiful, kind, and good. Love. Go and make it a beautiful day.
I don’t have an answer, either, but I share your feelings. Thanks for trying to work it out through writing — here to support you. Actually, here to support EVERYONE but that’s so incredibly hard to do when so many people express the hatred and division. I can’t sort out how to do that.
I have no answer. And I don’t know how I am going to fit into this new world, either. It’s not how any of us thought our American dream could end, could it? Even in our wildest nightmares? At the hands of a real estate developer and reality show host? Pandemics always bring great change though. I am so disheartened right now but I try to keep Winston Churchill’s saying in mind”if you’re going through hell, keep going”. No shame in not knowing how to react.We are all in survival mode. We survive a day at a time and at the end of it we will look back. Hopefully finding ourselves in a better time. But for now, I fear it will get worse before it gets better.
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When it’s dark, I offer more light. Where there is hate, love. When doubt and fear dominate, I seek words and actions that comfort. So many things are truly beyond our control, but beginning with our own small circles, we can add light, love, and comfort. Lifting these up for you.
I love your approach and thank you!
I’m frightened, Carol. Of what this week, this next year will bring. From 2022, will we look back on 2021 and smile? Or weep? I applaud the “calm, steady hand” of the incoming President and Vice President. And I especially applaud their courage, because that is what all of us are going to need. Courage. But together, shining light into the darkness, I believe we can bring this beloved country back from the brink.
I’m with you in this!
It is going to be a bumpy ride.
Beautifully said, with your heart and your soul. And I totally agree. Today they had to stop the inauguration practice because of threats. We were not happy when 45 was elected, but we behaved ourselves. He’s a piece of shit–he’s a criminal, he’s a liar. I want him gone from our country, form my brain, from the news. Fake news is also responsible. Yes, we tried to fight back, but the great unwashed (I’m sorry but truly there are so many ignorant people in this country) and the racists seem to have cut a large hole in our democracy. Can we repair it? Oh and PS, think of all the Christians who signed up for trump only because of abortion. Really!!
Beth, I alays feel we are such soul sisters!
Oh Carol, how true your words are. I’ll barely be able to watch Biden on those Capitol steps, although I’m so happy he won. I just want him safely sworn in, task one, of so many more to come.
He is moving forward but the environment he is operating in? it ain’t pretty.
I’ve been tormented with disgust, anger, frustration, and fear. I was disheartened. I’ve flitted around from ideas to withdrawal and feeling like it’s too late – too late to effect change in our country, in finding “my” people and a consistent message or cause I could stick to. I’ve bounced around feeling like I’m too small, too old to make a difference – sometimes even for my own life and goals. What does it matter anyway, to anyone else?
I’m not a joiner. I shy away. I get discouraged and “flake out.” I have fears.
And yet, I believe in the power of our minds and hearts. I believe in dreams and transformations. I believe it doesn’t take a great deal of time to make change. (I’m currently reading Einstein’s Dreams about time) I don’t like labels and woowoo. But I do believe in meditation, prayer, collective thought and the power of these to raise up the energies, at the very least, of ourselves.
And I guess that’s what I’ve really been missing: myself, my hopefulness deeply planted – it was ripped out! I’ve sporadically dragged it back, but oh how weary it has made me!
And then, I also feel so disappointed in my past lack of “success” I envisioned, so why do I even think there’s reason to continue having lofty ideals and longing for more focused, involving connections and change? Because I do. It’s me. And I think it’s others – like minds and hearts who are hurting right now and have been brutalized, abused by that creature of hate.
What I’ve struggled with is wanting a specific cause or purpose and there are so many! A world of them. So maybe focusing on just thoughts, lifting thoughts, energizing words and images, maybe all that’s needed. All actions will flow out from the changing of the mind. Last week, I was invited to participate at a set time, in a meditation on peace. 30 minutes. No sign in. No commitment. Just be there in time and thought. And I did it. I have never before.
But it helped me. And somehow, it’s empowering.
I’m full of ideas. Always. But I’m not an organizer. I’m not much of a follower either. But I have followed you, Carol. Since a post years ago you made I think about India? And the three images at the top of your page were so pretty they drew me in…
Oh. Ok. I know what it is…I want to fall in love with the world and my place in it, and stay in love, and not have that love dragged down. I want to feel it’s power, and conviction, and belief. I’m grieving my sense of community. Afraid I won’t find it again in myself. I know that’s where it resides…
What if I believed it happens now? Just that easy…Is this crazy talk?
Well, thanks for going on this journey with me. I feel cheered! I hope you do, too!
Peace. Deep and beautiful. All things beautiful, kind, and good. Love. Go and make it a beautiful day.
Boy, did I feel you on this. Sending love.
I don’t have an answer, either, but I share your feelings. Thanks for trying to work it out through writing — here to support you. Actually, here to support EVERYONE but that’s so incredibly hard to do when so many people express the hatred and division. I can’t sort out how to do that.
Yes. And yes. And OMG, WHY? These are challenging times.
I have no answer. And I don’t know how I am going to fit into this new world, either. It’s not how any of us thought our American dream could end, could it? Even in our wildest nightmares? At the hands of a real estate developer and reality show host? Pandemics always bring great change though. I am so disheartened right now but I try to keep Winston Churchill’s saying in mind”if you’re going through hell, keep going”. No shame in not knowing how to react.We are all in survival mode. We survive a day at a time and at the end of it we will look back. Hopefully finding ourselves in a better time. But for now, I fear it will get worse before it gets better.
It’s hard. It just is right now.
Unfortunately, this is not the first time America has been fractured nor will it be the last time.
However, we owe it to ourselves and future generations to move forward and not allow hatred, bigotry and ignorance win…not again!
You are so right, Toni. So right
I feel just like you do. I’m so incredibly sad. I love Pennie’s comments.
I do, too, Betty.