The dogs bolted out the door, Fate barking wildly, letting the world know she’s there as she always does every morning. Fanny and Lulu waited at the gate and Zip circled my feet. The sheep and donkeys gobbled up their hay and I mucked out the barn while Jon took pictures in his bathrobe.
Jon and I woke early knowing Trump had won the election. I was thrilled to support Kamala Harris and feel good about her chances of winning for as long as I could. I knew there was a chance she wouldn’t win, but I decided I wouldn’t’ go there unless I had to.
This morning there was no avoiding it.
Jon and I talked about what we would do if Trump won. Not just in the long run, but the morning we found out.
We decided we would sit quietly, talk to each other and listen to each other. And that’s what we did. It helped to say it all out loud. To release the emotions we were feeling, accept the situation and talk about what we do next.
When I heard that Trump had won again, I was deeply disappointed, angry and sad. Not only do I believe Trump will be bad for our country in many ways, but his presidency feels very personal to me.
In my mind the candidates were not only symbols, but literally, Trump the Predator and Harris the Protector. Now the predator is in power again.
But that doesn’t mean I’ll be fearful and angry for the next four years.
I choose not to the live that way. I will no doubt feel these things and more from time to time, but I will not let anyone, especially someone like Donald Trump take over my life.
I will not fall into the trap of political divisiveness. And I will continue to do the small things that make a difference.
Like being kind to people even when they have different beliefs than me. I’ll continue volunteering at The Mansion and The Food Pantry because it makes me feel as good as it is helpful. I’ll keep donating to Planned Parenthood, an organization who was there for me when I needed them and I trust to do their best to keep providing reproductive health to women and men. I’ll keep putting good out into the world through my art, pictures and writing. And who knows what else I’ll be doing when the time comes and events present themselves. I will also laugh as much as I can.
At times like this, when I am in distress, and the world seems to be out of my grasp, I look to the animals.
Right now all three dogs are sleeping in my studio as usual. The donkeys and sheep are grazing on the short winter grass, the bluejays calling to each other and the hens are huddled under the lilacs.
Right now I am fine.
And no matter who is president, I am still not going back. Not in my head and not in my heart.
For me we are in the down-turn of the spiral that is forever moving forward. It may take more steps than I’d hoped, but I’m not giving up and I’m not going back.
Thank you for putting into words what I need most to hear today. I can look to the natural world more, seek out the friends who will understand and join me in allowing whatever feelings come up. And I need to make a greater effort to find connection and ways to contribute to the world. How I would love to be with the animals you have on the farm. How I miss the farms of my family in Canada. How I wish I could afford to move to my first country, Canada. But time to sit, and walk, with the feelings of today.
I think sitting and walking with your feelings is a brilliant thing to do LoisJean. I have a feeling You’ll make something good of this in your own way. I have a friend who volunteers acclimating stray cats and kittens so they can be re-homed. She was doing that yesterday. We all find out own way to contribute.
What I find so shocking is that so many millions think it’s alright to put a felon in the White House. I feel as if it gived everyone permission to do whatever the hell they like. We are trying to process it all but it’s like a death in the family. Only worse.
I have felt like I am grieving too Carolyn.
AMEN!
We have nowhere to go but forward and we lean on each other for hope.
I like that Peg!
we’re not going back. we’re still not going back. yes.
reminds me of the song my partner wrote for the election and it still is the right message.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdX61E5f3D4
It certainly is Marianna.
I have been afraid, in shock and despair for 2 days. Traumatized. Your words are the balm and hope I needed. They will help me heal and NEVER GO BACK! Thank you.
Thank You Allison.
Thanks, Maria, I really needed that today.
:)
Well said Maria! For me as long as I have meaningful relationships and things to do I will be fine. Hope still runs through my veins because I know in my heart that there is so much good going on all over our country! It may not make the news headlines but it is still happening and I can be a small part of that goodness! Thank you for your friendship and for sharing your beautiful journey!
Thank you Josie. You are an inspiration. Your calm resolve is infectious and practical.