Re-centering

Here it is, the second week in February already, and because of political events I haven't accomplished half of what I had hoped so far this year. Maybe you're the same. At first I was merely depressed by the prospect of the upcoming inauguration, then very quickly derailed by the new administration's first week, the marches, the mosque shooting here in Quebec, and my own need to focus upon and write about these things, as well as touching in with a wide circle of friends and family. Phoenicia brought out Dave Bonta's new book, and there's been quite a bit of work associated with that. I've been singing, seeing people, reading, making meals...but it has all felt like I'm distracted, not only from what is going on, but from myself. What happened to drawing, printmaking, painting? What happened to my own writing? I've been off-center, and needed to get back home.

This week I've felt like I'm finally regaining some ability to focus. I haven't done any particularly good drawings, but at least I've taken up my pen. And I'm working hard on a writing project that is now going well.

Unfortunately, these times reminds me of what it feels like when we, or someone close to us, gets an unwelcome diagnosis. For a while, you can't think about much else. But eventually, you see that life goes on, even though you have to deal with the new situation, and it remains in the back of your mind. A life that, for a while, felt simpler just got more complicated. But the clarity of passing time shows us that we not only need to multi-task, we can do it. I'm glad to see that most people who have decided to resist have not lost their determination, but we've also settled down into the mindset where we realize this is going to be a long haul. So I'm taking action, staying informed, and trying to take good care of myself and those around me -- but I'm also doing my own things, because they're also important. I hope you are too.

So, I'm curious -- how are you coping with the reality of the moment in which we find ourselves? Have you been able to find a balance? And what role does social media play in your day -- have you been using it more, or less? Do you think it's helpful, or not?

Comments

[Duchesse]

I've invoked a Facebook furlough, not that I was on it much. I prefer to receive the friends' feelings about the political situation, from fury to fear, in person.

[Hattie]

After a cancer diagnosis, I find that the temper of the time suits my disease.
I have virtually no energy but have discovered that what sustains me is short visits from friends, long telephone conversations with other people important to me and the constant companionship and support from my husband. Blogging is satisfying,too, because I have such good blogger friends. So I discover to my surprise that I am more extroverted than I thought! I also set aside at least an hour a day when I just sit and relax and think. I look forward to that time.
I am still passionately interested in politics. I cheered when Flynn went down! The absurdity of the circus going on becomes almost a form of entertainment, even though it really is quite a grim situation.
So that's where I find myself now.

[Anna]

"The absurdity of the circus going on becomes almost a form of entertainment, even though it really is quite a grim situation."

Hattie - I so agree about the circus... I was reading about Trump's new US ambassador to Austria yesterday - no diplomatic experience - he's going to Austria and he's already going on about loving the Sound of Music and how he's seen it 75 times and knows all the songs and the words. I'm sure Austria is fascinated!

Sorry to hear of your diagnosis.

[Beth]

Duchesse: smart move. I check FB a couple of times a day, and link to these blog posts, but I've vowed not to enter the political fray on social media. Actually, it makes me depressed and frustrated to read how worked up everyone there is; it would be better to channel that energy more constructively.

Hattie, I've been thinking of you a lot - even though we've never met in person I certainly consider you a friend, and I care about you. Your ongoing engagement with the political circus inspires me, and I always appreciate your comments on, yes, the grim absurdity of it all.

Anna, it's good to hear from you. Here in Canada we are also astonished by the potential choice of Sarah Palin as ambassador; the idiocy and cluelessness of these people might be amusing if they weren't so offensive.

[Anna]

Do you remember the interview with Alaskan Governor, Sarah Palin, along the lines of - What experience do you have of foreign policy vis a vis Russia? Their planes fly over Alaska a lot.