For all my US readers...well it's been a week, hasn't it? No matter what your political views, I'm sure
I'm not alone to say, this week has been A LOT. Raise your hand, if you've had enough politics to last you four years? Living in Pennsylvania, it's been kinda like being the most popular girl at the dance. THEN living in Erie County, just doubles that. Apparently, unbeknownst to me, the saying goes in the political world...the way Erie County goes is the way the country will go. We've picked the winner for the last 36 years. Who knew? All I can say is that when you drive down any street and see opposing political yard signs on every other yard, well, let's just say, "We take this $#@! seriously".
And I've had enough.
But it got me thinking, with all this going on how does one keep creating? How does one stay grounded in the here and now so not to get caught up in the drama and the rhetoric that seems to be the Special of the Day? I don't know about you but when I'm not creating, it really effects the quality of my life.
So for you that are hurting this week, I offer up some ways to create in adversity...
- Embrace the Chaos. I really think the scariest part of adversity is the loss of control and certainty. Use that emotion, to step out of your comfort zone and explore what it feels like. How? Use colors you hate, try new techniques, explore avenues you never even thought to go down. If it doesn't work out you can always just say - well ya know, it was 2024
Order Through Chaos by Robert Ball - Seek Unity. OMG, how many times have I heard that come from both sides this week. I mean, they just spent all year tearing the country apart and NOW you say seek unity. But I really mean it. One of the best ways to discover a new creative path, is to explore other ideas and cultures. Why do you think one way and they think another. The word diversity has gotten a total bad rap. I think it's because it's not often paired with commonality. When you bring the two things together, great things can happen. That's a lot of words to say this - don't be afraid to step out of your bubble - invite someone into your bubble and find something in common.
Harmony by Alima Newton - Calm Down. Once again, the internet - a blessing and a curse. The 24 hr news cycle has made things look worse than they are. Stay grounded in the things that really matter. Quietness is not the enemy here. Peaceful music - maybe a walk - browsing through your favorite art book. Silence can lead to new ideas - away from craziness.
7 comments:
Nicely put.
I appreciate your words, especially the last line, art is here forever.
I am a quilter and cross stitcher, but those things are not going to keep us isolated from the madness that will be coming unfortunately. Ohio went red too and I ashamed to say I live here.
Excellent words. I'm still shaken, but I'm finding solace in my stitching and getting out to hike in the desert away from the madness.
the difference this time is we may have our right to vote revoked with the 14th amendment since that's being said by the new regime.
it is not a normal election
Hi Nina Marie, thanks for the words of wisdom :-)
I, like so many Canadians, have been watching American politics for decades (I grew up in the nineteen fifties and sixties, and remember that time and everything since 1963 very well). But the last eight or nine years have been the toughest yet. I find that the US tends to forget we're here -- we're never (or hardly ever) mentioned with a mainline news commentator is mentioning US allies, for example. But we are watching, and our governments have been bracing for what we hoped would not happen. And now it has. Many of us have been praying for you all through this agonizing election year, and many of us are not only disheartened but distraught, and in mourning. Many of us have friends and family who live south of our border (for a variety of reasons) and are dual citizens or...simply there on green cards, for work. So you and your fellow-citizens are very much still in our prayers, our thoughts, and our hopes for the future. Tariffs will decimate our trading relationship, and have a very serious impact on the auto industry we share between us. And that's just one thought of the impact over all. I continue to "create beauty every day" as Canadian rug hooking artist Deanne Fitzpatrick says. It keeps me sane, it brings colour and light into my life, and comfort to others. One foot in front of the other. Please keep going, please keep posting, please keep caring, no matter how difficult it is. You are not alone.
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