If it seems like I’m not taking the current political situation seriously, that isn’t true. I feel it. It hurts. It’s wretched. I wish I could fix it, undertake some sort of violence that would set the world right. I feel bad, for at least some amount of time, every day. Feels worst in the lead-up to going into work on Monday – Sunday night, Monday before dawn. Composing this on a Sunday, back on the 2nd.
But there are some facts that are very important to keep in mind. Most of us are going to be able to live the rest of our lives just fine, whatever hardships this may add. We can prepare ourselves in various practical ways for a lot of bad things, but not all of them. Worrying is not preparing; it’s just hurting yourself. I know, you can’t avoid it completely. I sure can’t either. But we have to minimize its impact on our lives.
Frankly, if we don’t, the terrorists win – to borrow a cheesy slogan from the post 9-11 era. The fascists love it when we think about them all the time, when we show fear, even when we show anger. Were you ever bullied? Same deal. I don’t love living in fear of what the bastards will do next, but I really don’t love the fact they can crank their hogs to the signs of my fear.
We have to oppose them. I do think almost all the methods we were using before still have a place in practice now. We might have to add some new tricks. Keep up the good work, when and how and if you can. And if you can’t? Do your best to survive and thrive. Anything you can do to make your life as good as it can be, that does matter. It is a victory in this larger war, on one small but very important battlefield.
Meanwhile, what can we do to ease our worries? I’m still trying to find things that work for me. Obviously, I’ve been throwing myself into creativity, and plan to continue that as much as possible. Even so, tonight I find myself feeling kinda ill, my viscera trembling like a fall leaf. Keep in mind I wrote this days ago, so reassurance belated and probably unnecessary when you read it.
At least I have a posse. I have a blue state behind me, I have a union, I have my comrades here. It doesn’t feel real some days, but other times, it really helps me. I know a lot of you don’t have all of those reassurances. But you do have a comrade in me, for what I’m worth. Let’s keep this life going, together.
Drop suggestions for ways to feel better, even if they only work a little bit. Add ’em all up, that’s something. See you later!
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Reading, factual about things like archaeology, biology and the like definitely Not opinion pieces or much newspapers/news sites as the first are useless and I’ll get the gist of the news itself elsewhere, fiction it’s mostly short stories or rereads as I’m finding I get stuck when I try longer stuff – why I haven’t finished your weekend work.
Watching carefully selected TV, Digging for Britain at the moment, it’s a yearly round up of archaeology done in the UK in the previous year. A lot of the digs happen because something is going to be built, we have laws around the developer paying for the work. Intending to watch the latest Wallace and Gromit as the sense of humour appeals to me, still giggle when I think of Duck Vestas from the first movie. Though it’s only funny at all if you have Swan Vesta matches, I don’t know if they are also an American brand. Some detective shows, that surety the murderer will be identified and arrested is comforting at times.
But right now I’m going to start some making some marmalade, it gets put away to mature, ideally for several years, so it is a promise to myself that there will be something good in my future.
Walk in the snow this morning. Enjoy romping dogs. Buy an extra sack of beans just in case, and remember we have the luxury of doing so. Listen to some audiobook while doing household chores so you don’t dwell on the hopeless thoughts. Make a point of smiling at people. The country survived the civil war. These are the things I’m doing.
good stuff, comrades. hey, you don’t have to finish J & B. it’s nice to get feedback, but i know it’s a lot of hooey for dubious reward. some year, i will finish it, and inflict it on the world properly.