The space between

I’m not even sure what to write today. Living in a swing state in a nation on the precipice of the most consequential election of my lifetime, I feel as though I’m madly bouncing between hope and despair. 

I’m trying to hold on to the hope, but then think that I can’t be too hopeful, because 2016…

Then I get sucked into the downward spiral of panic and worry and frustration and anger… and I know that isn’t good, either. 

So I’m trying – not succeeding, mind you – but trying to find that space in between. The space where I think I need to TRY to be for the next several days – striving for calm, trying not to panic, trying not to get my hopes up. In the middle of it all, as it were. 

And yet – 

I’m so tired of being filled with rage every time I look at the headlines. 

I’m tired of the shattering of norms. 

I’m tired of the lies, the wholesale repudiation of science, knowledge, and truth. 

I’m tired of feeling like I’m fighting against a rising tide with every one of my actions. 

Even though I’m tired now, I know those who have had to deal with so much more are even more exhausted. I know the fight will not be over, whatever the outcome. 

So I seek the calm in between in order to gain strength for the ongoing fight. 

If you live in the US, I hope that you are taking care of yourself in whatever way you need to. I’ll be doing the same over here. Holding hope in one hand and worry in the other.  

2 thoughts on “The space between

  1. I hope you can breathe a little easier now… I know, the Trump tantrums are not over and we have 72 more days to go until inauguration but the last 4 horrible years are coming to a close.

  2. I totally agree with you. My anxiety is already through the roof and I know the rest of the week is going to be insane – no matter who wins the election. It's been such a stressful year and the election is just one thing to add to the pile unfortunately.

    I'm coping by exercising and listening to music that makes me happy.

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