True Resistance- Fierce Compassion

How are you doing? What with the insanity that is happening on the news and in politics right now, how are you managing? From what I can see people are tired. Tired and crabby like midwinter cabin fever with no end in sight. Sorry I can’t fix this for us. I looked into that  25th amendment thing but psychologists powers are pretty limited.

Here’s how I have decided to handle the insanity of the world today. I too vow to thwart the President’s agenda and his worst inclinations. I want a safer, more prosperous country and I want a safer, more prosperous world. I will do what I can to fight for our democratic ideals and I vow to remain truly civil in a not so quiet resistance to put our humanity first.

My new mantra as Mark Manson preaches in The Subtle Art Of Not Giving A F*ck  is “Certainty is the enemy of growth”. My focus has to be in what Fucks are worth giving and how to give a fuck effectively. And when I am sure I know what I am doing, I am most likely wrong. So follow along in my uncertainty.

I vow to invest my energy wisely. I will look away from the train wreck so that I don’t become part of the traffic jam. I will work to avoid gossip and fear mongering and doomsday divisions.

I will deepen my commitment to democracy by seeking out voices of reason and hope and new perspectives. For every white man I hear,  I will look for two people of color or immigrant voices or politically disenfranchised views to ensure balance.

I will be on the lookout for my privilege and racism and classism and sexism and ableism not in a shame inducing way but in pursuit of my own growth. I will work to be open to new ideas, to admitting I am wrong, to be coachable and teachable and open to hearing other voices.

I will work to keep my heart pure and love deeply and practice compassion with those it is hardest for me to understand. I will work not to demonize or dehumanize those that see the world so differently than I do. I will try to remain soft with those who are rigid and communicate across deep fears.

I will be careful with the language I use in front of my children. I will protect them from my contempt. I will model my ethics and ideals and sometimes in our intimacy I will model my fears and insecurities.

I will work to be a good friend, a good citizen and a good human. I will take responsibility for my impact on others and the world. I will try to anger slowly and forgive quickly.

Hang tight. The world needs your fierce compassion and true resistance now more than ever.