I am not a born leader. I was created to remain neutral in all things, to see both sides of every story and to remain calm in the face of adversity. One would think this would mean it would make me a great mother, but in all truth I struggle. The events of the world are beyond my control and I rely on the power(s) greater than myself for their guidance, wisdom, compassion, protection, patience, strength, peace, truth and love. I share my shortcomings and ask that they show me ways in which I can be of assistance each day. I ask that they guide my every thought, word and deed. Sometimes the prayer can be said while stretching upon waking up – “thank you for this day”. It’s as simple as that. Everyone can use this simple approach, no matter their race, belief of upbringing. I’m not here to force religion down anyone’s throat. I just feel guided to speak up where I am able. Usually in my own neighborhood.

And I battle for time for self-care. I am forced to make hard decisions each day to remain selfish in my own self-care. Some days I lose the battle and have no time for myself. As my mom says, “it is what it is”.

Some days it’s difficult to venture out of the cocoon I’ve built for myself and just be. That’s life. I just keep getting up, showing up and try, try again. At the end of the day my partner and I check in with each other to share our day’s events, to embrace and laugh and sometimes cry. But mostly we laugh. It’s important to make fun of ourselves and to embrace our own shortcomings.

I believe in both a papa God and a mama God. My experience of them is purely personal, but it occurs to me like this:

Papa God is intellectual, strong, structured, organized, peaceful, determined, benevolent, patient, compassionate and kind. He is the director.

Mama God is nature, intuition, strong, focused, somewhat disorganized, both nurturing and fierce, and also a force to be reconned with. She is the protector.

And together, they created life which is pure magic, in my humble opinion.

And I believe in a gentle spirit that unites us all.

I’ve had to simplify this in my own mind to stay sane.

At times, life experiences buffet my emotions and behaviors and with some good counseling, some medication, support of family (four-legged family members included), some good sleep, lots of water (immersing and drinking it) and a little help from my friends I am able to stay sane.

It is important for me to stick with my routine, with what works for me.

The big ticket items of the day –

A fight for a DEMOCRACY for the United States.

World leaders must be chosen for their mental and emotional maturity and stability.

Diversity & Inclusion

It may not look like it from the outside, but these things weigh heavily on both my partner and me. We discuss what’s going on and sometimes it’s completely baffling why some would support leaders who have no compassion or respect for women or nature. They seem more like puppets to us, rather than actual people. Their followers also seem confused. For how could they support someone who openly wants to remove social security and Medicare? Both income and medical insurance. Those are big ticket items, as well. Why would anyone fight to keep automatic rifles in the hands of the general public? For someone who doesn’t respect nature and seems to always pick fights with others? For someone who gropes women without their permission?

It’s a mess in our own back yard.

It may appear futile, my words here, but the powers that be are listening in. I trust this.

While all of us don’t have a world voice, we do have a responsibility to work for good in our own communities. It this way we lead the fight for the older version of the American way. Let us be an example of what is good NOW. We each have a responsibility to pick up trash on the ground when we see it, when we are physically able.

Its okay, we WILL get through this, through thick or thin. We all lead the fight for justice and the GOOD version of the American way. Then and only then, will we be in a position to assist others.

Sometimes it’s darkest before the dawn.