You matter. I find that I need to break from the “news” regularly by reading a book, working a puzzle, taking a walk, painting a room…and the list goes on. Too much time dwelling on what you can’t change isn’t good for the psyche. I live in FL, a red state governed by an autocrat who tries to be mini tRUmp, with a surgeon general who wants to kill us all. My reps, both state and federal, are loyal foot soldiers who ignore my every call and email, but I do them anyway. Even in this environment the No Kings protest last week had more than 1000 people. I believe that there can be hope, not easy, but it is still there. ❤️
I can't watch the news any more, I have to read it. That way, I can control my intake. I had to leave Florida last year because I felt like it was killing my soul. The Trump flags everywhere, the DeSantis bumper stickers, the general MAGA vibe. It doesn't really feel safe anywhere, but Florida was especially hard. I'm glad you're able to hold onto some hope there. XO
It’s a heart clutch living into this current time. The only thing that I know is that even the smallest acts of kindness matter. Just like the child throwing the starfish back into the ocean. Understanding it mattered to the ones he could return to their home. Becoming overwhelmed is real, warranted, yet I sense how we can make the most difference is in small acts of heroic love. No one can take that from us unless we allow it. Here’s to remembering what we are capable of, and reminding one another when we are on the edge. You matter, Katrina. Keep showing up as you can. This is what will move mountains, and change hearts… beginning with our own. ❤️🔥☄️💫
I'm trying my best, Joanie. I'm still tipping generously and complimenting strangers and doing my best to spread some sunshine. I'm marching in protests and calling my lawmakers and hoping I don't fall into a pit of despair so deep that I can't find my way back out. Sending you love during this seemingly never-ending "heart clutch." XO
My anxiety is ROARING. I have to keep my news-watching to a minimum, and be careful about engaging on social media. I am absolutely stunned and horrified by what I see... on so many levels. I cope by spending time with my horse, and out in nature - without my cell phone. Books help - either reading or writing. Music helps. Wine. Lots of wine. Even better with calming music. This is really, truly, a nightmare. I am hoping we all survive this. I don't honestly know. So... I head to the barn. (((HUGEHUGS))) to you. You are not alone.
ROARING is such a great description of what's happening inside me every single day. I wish I could head to the barn with you. I'm going to snuggle up with my pups instead. Sending you hugs across the miles. XO
I just wept my way through your essay. Tears resulting from a shared despair mixed with wonderment because the way you express the depths of MY despair — and thinking, ‘this, this is one of the things that is keeping me going… the words, the art, the music, and the people behind them.’ Thank you for writing this. Thank you for writing period. It’s so hard to do anything right now.
Katrina, please do not let the current administration stop you from telling the world about your book and asking for support. Your story is critically important - and in these times, life saving. Do not let them take that from you or the people who are waiting for your story to give them hope. (Hear that said in my strongest, Southern accent with a few f bombs thrown in.)
Your “I miss…” paragraph was a puzzle piece for me. I’ve been struggling mightily (as you know… you knew just by hearing an audio clip… and before anyone else detected it). It helped me to read that paragraph because I slowly see parts of myself slipping away - and after reading this, I feel empowered/committed to do what I can to not let them take those precious parts away from me. Not sure how but I am determined to try.
My dear friend, it truly is so hard to do anything right now, isn't it? Thank you so much for affirming my story. I wanted it to be a story of hope, but I'm so worried that people will stay in hiding in this current atmosphere of hate and cruelty. It's a scary time to be outside the accepted "norm." Please don't let any of your beautiful, wonderful parts slip away. We need them ALL. Let's keep reminding each other. I love you so much. XOXO
I hear you. I see you. I am with you. All I can do is read books written for children, bake muffins, and focus on what is right in front of me which at this moment is my big dog and my cup of coffee. Your words reflect what I am thinking. You say them in beautiful ways full of longing, hope, and fear. Thank you for speaking from your heart and writing with authenticity. I look forward to reading your new book. 🙂💜
Thank you, Sarelle. I love the idea of reading books written for children. That might be all my mind can absorb right now, and who doesn't love Desperaux? Going to go hug my dogs now, too. They always give me some comfort. Take care of you, please. XO
Oh Desperaux ❤️!! Reading Judy Blume for the 500th time is about where I am. (And Katrina, I have my knee surgery tomorrow I’ve kept your suggestions in mind thank you!!)
I heard this quote once and have loved it ever since: "The map is not the territory." Meaning what we see on the map is not necessarily the reality of where we're going. I'm not sure if that makes sense right now, but it has helped me when I need guidance and can't trust any of my regular maps. Also you poured out some pretty good words here...words haven't abandoned you--you can still rely on them. xo
Thanks, my friend. My words feel pretty empty. I hope they regain some power someday soon. And I do love the quote you shared. I hope what we see is not the reality of where we're going, but it's still so hard to bear witness right now. Sending you lots of love. XO
I've recently paused reading all the newsletters I get (except Heather Cox Richardson's of course!) because there's only so much we can process at a time. Especially when our mental and physical health demands our attention. You caring for yourself is doing a good job. Give yourself a break :) (Go take a drive in that awesome van of yours!!) xo
Have you ever read the book Wintering by Katharine May? She explores this idea that we go through ‘seasons’ as humans, and wintering doesn’t have to happen only in the winter. This time we’re in right now and the way you described your mood and energy had me thinking maybe you’re wintering right now. And maybe that just needs to be *okay.*
Another idea that comes from my long COVID recovery program is this idea of staying in your “three foot world.” The way a mountain climber can only focus on the three feet directly ahead of her. Her head can’t be ten or twenty feet up the mountain; it’s too much to focus on and could make the climb dangerous for her. Staying in your three foot world means keeping focus on what’s right in front of you for now. It’s not a forever plan, but sometimes life necessitates bringing things closer.
I haven't read Wintering, Amy, but I'm going to put it on my list now. We have friends who call winter their "hibernation period" when they just want to stay and in re-focus, and I like that idea, too. I hope we all don't have to winter forever. I'm going to focus on my "three foot world" as well. That's such good advice. I hope you're continuing to feel stronger and healthier every day. Sending you lots of love. XO
I feel like the pendulum toward progress will eventually swing back. I have to hold onto that belief, as far off as it seems.
I have what I like to call a “WTF buddy” (like a fuck buddy, but minus the sex and add the shared outrage). Someone who will reciprocate sending me WTF articles and info, so we can have a minute to process our outrage. I have a few of them, for different topics. I hope you have one or a few? If not, it can be us, your readers who cherish you.
You matter. I find that I need to break from the “news” regularly by reading a book, working a puzzle, taking a walk, painting a room…and the list goes on. Too much time dwelling on what you can’t change isn’t good for the psyche. I live in FL, a red state governed by an autocrat who tries to be mini tRUmp, with a surgeon general who wants to kill us all. My reps, both state and federal, are loyal foot soldiers who ignore my every call and email, but I do them anyway. Even in this environment the No Kings protest last week had more than 1000 people. I believe that there can be hope, not easy, but it is still there. ❤️
I can't watch the news any more, I have to read it. That way, I can control my intake. I had to leave Florida last year because I felt like it was killing my soul. The Trump flags everywhere, the DeSantis bumper stickers, the general MAGA vibe. It doesn't really feel safe anywhere, but Florida was especially hard. I'm glad you're able to hold onto some hope there. XO
It’s a heart clutch living into this current time. The only thing that I know is that even the smallest acts of kindness matter. Just like the child throwing the starfish back into the ocean. Understanding it mattered to the ones he could return to their home. Becoming overwhelmed is real, warranted, yet I sense how we can make the most difference is in small acts of heroic love. No one can take that from us unless we allow it. Here’s to remembering what we are capable of, and reminding one another when we are on the edge. You matter, Katrina. Keep showing up as you can. This is what will move mountains, and change hearts… beginning with our own. ❤️🔥☄️💫
I'm trying my best, Joanie. I'm still tipping generously and complimenting strangers and doing my best to spread some sunshine. I'm marching in protests and calling my lawmakers and hoping I don't fall into a pit of despair so deep that I can't find my way back out. Sending you love during this seemingly never-ending "heart clutch." XO
💜🪶💜
My anxiety is ROARING. I have to keep my news-watching to a minimum, and be careful about engaging on social media. I am absolutely stunned and horrified by what I see... on so many levels. I cope by spending time with my horse, and out in nature - without my cell phone. Books help - either reading or writing. Music helps. Wine. Lots of wine. Even better with calming music. This is really, truly, a nightmare. I am hoping we all survive this. I don't honestly know. So... I head to the barn. (((HUGEHUGS))) to you. You are not alone.
ROARING is such a great description of what's happening inside me every single day. I wish I could head to the barn with you. I'm going to snuggle up with my pups instead. Sending you hugs across the miles. XO
Hugs back!
I just wept my way through your essay. Tears resulting from a shared despair mixed with wonderment because the way you express the depths of MY despair — and thinking, ‘this, this is one of the things that is keeping me going… the words, the art, the music, and the people behind them.’ Thank you for writing this. Thank you for writing period. It’s so hard to do anything right now.
Katrina, please do not let the current administration stop you from telling the world about your book and asking for support. Your story is critically important - and in these times, life saving. Do not let them take that from you or the people who are waiting for your story to give them hope. (Hear that said in my strongest, Southern accent with a few f bombs thrown in.)
Your “I miss…” paragraph was a puzzle piece for me. I’ve been struggling mightily (as you know… you knew just by hearing an audio clip… and before anyone else detected it). It helped me to read that paragraph because I slowly see parts of myself slipping away - and after reading this, I feel empowered/committed to do what I can to not let them take those precious parts away from me. Not sure how but I am determined to try.
I love you so much.
My dear friend, it truly is so hard to do anything right now, isn't it? Thank you so much for affirming my story. I wanted it to be a story of hope, but I'm so worried that people will stay in hiding in this current atmosphere of hate and cruelty. It's a scary time to be outside the accepted "norm." Please don't let any of your beautiful, wonderful parts slip away. We need them ALL. Let's keep reminding each other. I love you so much. XOXO
I wrote a whole comment and deleted, because ugh...it's all so hard and I don't have any answers. I wish I did. Sending love...
Me, too, friend. I wish we could just fix it all with kindness. XO
🩵
<3 right back to you. XO
I hear you. I see you. I am with you. All I can do is read books written for children, bake muffins, and focus on what is right in front of me which at this moment is my big dog and my cup of coffee. Your words reflect what I am thinking. You say them in beautiful ways full of longing, hope, and fear. Thank you for speaking from your heart and writing with authenticity. I look forward to reading your new book. 🙂💜
Thank you, Sarelle. I love the idea of reading books written for children. That might be all my mind can absorb right now, and who doesn't love Desperaux? Going to go hug my dogs now, too. They always give me some comfort. Take care of you, please. XO
Oh Desperaux ❤️!! Reading Judy Blume for the 500th time is about where I am. (And Katrina, I have my knee surgery tomorrow I’ve kept your suggestions in mind thank you!!)
Best wishes for a safe surgery and a speedy recovery! Let me know if I can help in any way or answer any questions. 💙
🫂🫂🫂
Hugs back to you, Janey. XO
I heard this quote once and have loved it ever since: "The map is not the territory." Meaning what we see on the map is not necessarily the reality of where we're going. I'm not sure if that makes sense right now, but it has helped me when I need guidance and can't trust any of my regular maps. Also you poured out some pretty good words here...words haven't abandoned you--you can still rely on them. xo
Thanks, my friend. My words feel pretty empty. I hope they regain some power someday soon. And I do love the quote you shared. I hope what we see is not the reality of where we're going, but it's still so hard to bear witness right now. Sending you lots of love. XO
I've recently paused reading all the newsletters I get (except Heather Cox Richardson's of course!) because there's only so much we can process at a time. Especially when our mental and physical health demands our attention. You caring for yourself is doing a good job. Give yourself a break :) (Go take a drive in that awesome van of yours!!) xo
Have you ever read the book Wintering by Katharine May? She explores this idea that we go through ‘seasons’ as humans, and wintering doesn’t have to happen only in the winter. This time we’re in right now and the way you described your mood and energy had me thinking maybe you’re wintering right now. And maybe that just needs to be *okay.*
Another idea that comes from my long COVID recovery program is this idea of staying in your “three foot world.” The way a mountain climber can only focus on the three feet directly ahead of her. Her head can’t be ten or twenty feet up the mountain; it’s too much to focus on and could make the climb dangerous for her. Staying in your three foot world means keeping focus on what’s right in front of you for now. It’s not a forever plan, but sometimes life necessitates bringing things closer.
Sending you deep, knowing hugs 🫂
I haven't read Wintering, Amy, but I'm going to put it on my list now. We have friends who call winter their "hibernation period" when they just want to stay and in re-focus, and I like that idea, too. I hope we all don't have to winter forever. I'm going to focus on my "three foot world" as well. That's such good advice. I hope you're continuing to feel stronger and healthier every day. Sending you lots of love. XO
I feel like the pendulum toward progress will eventually swing back. I have to hold onto that belief, as far off as it seems.
I have what I like to call a “WTF buddy” (like a fuck buddy, but minus the sex and add the shared outrage). Someone who will reciprocate sending me WTF articles and info, so we can have a minute to process our outrage. I have a few of them, for different topics. I hope you have one or a few? If not, it can be us, your readers who cherish you.
Listening.....it sounds great! And dang I feel you; I'm so sorry for all the hard things happening...nap, snack and cry is v familiar.