Giving Myself A Pep Talk

“I can hardly remember what the ‘before’ felt like. I still feel a daily sense of revulsion, outrage, and disbelief. It’s true, as Amy Siskind says in her touching post, that we have been changed in good ways too, that we are more engaged and more awake and stronger than ever, but it sure is hard sometimes. And yet I do believe we will find a path beyond this ugliness. Be brave. As Rebecca Solnit has written, ‘Resistance is first of all a matter of principle and a way to live, to make yourself one small republic of unconquered spirit.’”

I wrote that exactly three years ago, still reeling from the aftermath of the 2016 election, and it's more true than ever. The pandemic has since underscored problems that already existed but were rapidly exacerbated by "leadership" so depraved and incompetent, it defies belief. Things are even rougher than we expected, and sometimes, like right now, I get awfully discouraged. These words have reminded me to keep seeking a path out of the ugliness, in whatever ways I can.

As Solnit eloquently writes, each of us can (and must) become a small republic of unconquered spirit.

Also, wear a mask. How bizarre that this has become a political statement! And make sure you are registered to VOTE. November will mark the most important election of our lifetimes, perhaps in the history of our nation.