Positive Focus Sunday - Sometimes It's Hard

I am 'fully' retired now. No more dreading getting up and going to work when the weather is bad. No more commuting in traffic. Yes, there is less money in the bank every month, but I'll cope. 

Am I sitting on my ass and eating bonbons all day?

I wish!

Personally, I am probably busier than ever, but it is things which bring me joy rather than dollars. 

However, the 'powers that be' are making it very, very difficult to ignore what is going on. So these days I often feel like I am on the edge of a cliff, trying to keep my balance in the world. 

Trump and his minion, Musk, are making it very, very hard to ignore what is going on. Especially when they seem to be exacting revenge for decades of people not liking them if they didn't have the money they do. To me, they are bullies in a mutual cock-sucking partnership (Sorry for the image, but I feel that way.)

And the 19 and 20-somethings Musk is pulling in to do his dirty work. I pity those 'children'. They will be forever linked to this situation of tossing people out of jobs. And how many of them have years of work experience behind them? It might seem like 'fun' now, to be 'in charge'. But wait until they have to get up off their knees at the altar of Trump/Musk and face the real world.

As far as the majority of our 'public servants' who seem to have forgotten they are 'servants' to me and the rest of the public. We are not servants to them. Of course, if I got to make my own benefit packages and pay raises, I might have forgotten that fact too. But I have a vote and will use it every time I get a chance. 

Ok...enough.

If I dwell too long on the world situation, I will find myself in a padded cell. They have lousy pillows and only give you one blanket there, so it's not somewhere I want to go. 

So what can I do to protect myself, my sanity, my peace of mind and my fellow citizens?

Be aware and be kind - both to others and myself.

I can't, and will not, bury my head in the sand and hope the next 4 years pass quickly. Savoring each moment is something I want to do. So I can be aware, but not let myself be drawn into a constant state of alertness to fight or flight. 

What I can do are some of the following things - 

• Make my home a refuge for me and my friends and family. A place where there is laughter and a sense of calm and safety. 
• Do things which bring me joy and 'fill my well'. 
• Give my time and energy and dollars to those around me - small businesses, people who need a helping hand, and those targeted by 'bullies'. (And yes, women are one of the targeted group!)
• Try to walk in compassion and kindness (believe me, it is difficult for me to do a lot of the time!) Saying 'thank you', 'have a good day', and sharing a smile with a stranger doesn't cost anything, but it can change someone else's day.
• Create times with friends and family to gather with a sense of peace and relaxation, fostering laughter and fun.
• Tend my own 'garden', both literally and figuratively. Spending time bringing a plant into the world which will nourish body and soul. 
• Giving myself grace when the world seems to be spinning out of control.
• Removing myself from 'tech' at least one day a month, if not one day a week. 
• Continue to learn. Study topics which spark interest. 
• Rest, relax and read. And write. 
• Fix myself healthy meals and make eating a pleasure and not something I have to do. Experiment with new recipes and new foods. 
• Think quality over quantity. Yes, that gallon of raw milk costs more than a gallon of processed milk from the grocery store. But I am supporting a local, small dairy and the things I can do with that milk is endless! Bake my own bread, make ricotta cheese, indulge in homemade ice cream made with fresh cream from the milk. Sourdough cinnamon raisin bagels with homemade cream cheese flavored with pecans and honey - heavenly, and made with my own hands. 

And finally...

If I don't want to wear a bra to go to the grocery store? FU! I'm not going to put one on!