It’s hard feeling powerless, and I hate it. Actually I am angry at myself because I can’t do much to make the world better. So I need to look at smaller circles, I guess. and see what I CAN do.
Today I made Ukrainian borsch. Thanks to World Central Kitchen for the inspiration and the recipe. I made it babusia style, although my own grandmother would certainly not recognize it. I spent hours shredding, dicing, chopping and stirring. Dinner was late, but delicious. And vegetarian.
For the forseeable future, small actions close to home may be the best I can do…
I knew that I’d be appalled at Trump, but I didn’t anticipate how bad I’d feel about myself for living in Trump’s America. I’m trying to stop reading the news and concentrate on the good, non-political reality I live in, but it’s not easy to banish the cloud hanging over me.
“Reasons to be Cheerful” founded by David Byrne is one place I’ve turned to repeatedly, and I hope to set aside more time for their messages going forward.
There are also countless small things to appreciate. This is a Satsuma Mule, sans alcohol, that I enjoyed in New Orleans at Cochon, just one example of how delicious food and drink can be a welcome distraction. I can cook good things to share.
Today’s rain isn’t helping, but I remind myself that every day brings spring a little closer. I can grow flowers, herbs, and vegetables.
I also have high hopes for reading to escape. We went to the library today, so I’m prepared with distractions for a week or so.
But the worst is that I can’t think of anything I can do to make this better. Anne Lamott has her own take on this situation, which has a certain appeal, although powerlessness has never been one of my goals.
