I appreciate several of you asking for me to jot down thoughts on any/all of what has been happening around us to start this year out. Trust me, putting words into writing remains a wonderful outlet for me when the time presents itself. However, this iteration will be more of a rambling than anything else.

We’re in the thick of it over here. Our entire family got the latest round of Covid in the middle of the month, only to then hunker down for the first of what looks to be a couple snowstorms hoping we maintain power/heat while these young immune systems try to recover. Every day presents a new curveball we couldn’t possibly have foreseen, and we’re holding on for dear life.

In the very sparing moments of free time outside of current home and work obligations, I have been equally as overwhelmed as everyone else when I open up apps that show nothing but absolute chaos in our world. There are more folks with very ill intentions in positions of power than ever before (at least, we haven’t had this much insight – all at once – into those roles previously). The media is trying to manipulate each of us into picking sides on every possible issue known to man… when several of us are merely trying to get through another week unscathed.

I don’t care for those speaking in absolutes when it comes to potential resolutions or outcomes (though I absolutely appreciate the energy and passion). “I can’t forgive you for voting that way, because it was obvious this would happen.” “By replying the way you did to that person, I have no choice but to cut all ties.” What does this accomplish – because it certainly doesn’t invite a productive conversation to be had, nor does it prompt someone to seriously consider the call to action. 

Light up something and smoke it. Pop a cork and take a sip. Do something that forces you to take a deep breath, slow down, and refocus.

You have every right to be upset with what your phone shows you on a daily basis – we were never meant to mentally and emotionally deal with this kind of weight on the regular. Yes, some people are turning their gaze away from the horror – honestly, everyone processes things differently, and sometimes that’s okay. Just because they aren’t taking time off work to join the local protest doesn’t mean they aren’t committed to doing their part in righting the ship when the next election cycle comes around.

If you are someone who feels guilty for legitimately not being able to take the time to call your local representatives or exercise your right in another way to address the madness – I see you. Focus on providing for your family first, as the ripple effect on those individuals will pay the biggest dividends down the road. If there are families/friends you know that have been impacted by recent events, check in on them and offer an ear to listen to their experience should they feel like sharing.

When the kids are down for the night and you’ve taken a moment to breathe… don’t let the algorithm dictate what you consume. One of the best (and sometimes worst) aspects of smartphones is that you have the ability to seek out any form of media you wish – listen to content from every corner of the aisle, and form your own opinions from data you’ve been able to validate in some way. 

As I remind myself daily – place more focus on what you yourself can control, especially when the way you spend your time impacts each and every person in your daily life. If there are legit opportunities to effectively share your frustrations about how shitty things are after that, take them. Don’t be offended if someone in your circle doesn’t understand the gravity of the situation at first, keep in mind they may have something of equal weight to get off their chest. 

Humanity is not, and will not be, reduced to voting entirely red or blue. Kindness should not be countercultural. Remember who you have in your corner at the most basic level of support, because it has to start and grow from there. This too shall pass, though it likely will require a lot of feelings getting hurt along the way in order to do so. Don’t lose sight of how valuable each and every person is around you, no matter how they came to be in your circle. If you haven’t heard it today – you’re doing great.