My daughter told me what she did yesterday. As usual, she got her six year old to the bus stop and prepared to work from home. But, first, she brought her mother-in-law (who lives nearby) a bouquet of flowers. Then, she listened to a voicemail that her grandmother (my mom) had left for her during a difficult time. Her Grandma told her that she loved her, and she wished she were there to give her a hug. My mom died eight years ago at 93. I had no idea that she kept the voicemail.
As always, thanks for your wise words. I was so optimistic on Tuesday morning, so the evening results hit hard. Woke on Wednesday in a fog, then finally started moving! We will get through this detour, even though we did not choose it.
I ate a pint of ice cream for dinner two nights in a row and shopped unintentionally. Today I'll reclaim my living room, unpack the suitcase from a trip to North Carolina to watch the election with the eldest family member. I'll practice cello. Last night I bought a train ticket to see "The Time Is Always Now: Artists Reframe the Black Figure" at the Philadelphia Museum. Art and music remind me that I am human, with all that it encompasses - sorrow, rage, hurt. I unsubscribed to the New York Times, Washington Post, NPR, Guardian, and Huffington Post. In my remaining years, which are said to be few, I will not allow his image, name, or words in my space. Today this is how I know how to take care of me.
Thanks for sharing this Shira. For naming your feelings and lovely things you did for yourself and your family, neighbors and community. With you in that. And having similar feelings. I went on a walk and connected with some local businesses through random acts of kindness. And had one on one time with each of my kiddos. It was very supportive.
Yesterday, after feeling the insane amount of anxiety I felt at the beginning of the pandemic, wondering what the heck the world had come to, I drove more "nicely" than usual. I was much more aware of letting people go if they were trying to take a left turn, slowing down a little to give someone an easier chance of turning onto a main road, etc. It was a tiny thing, but it made me feel good to do something nice for others, hoping it would encourage them to do something nice in return, or at least feel good that someone noticed them and wanted to help them out. We're all in this together. We all need to work together and come together, somehow.
I'm not American and I shed a tear for your nation. Thank you for the motivation, keep moving forward, my mom is a small but tenacious woman, she gets up everyday and gets stuff done, even if she is tired or sore, she keeps going. This too will pass, keep looking forward, with your head held high.
My daughter told me what she did yesterday. As usual, she got her six year old to the bus stop and prepared to work from home. But, first, she brought her mother-in-law (who lives nearby) a bouquet of flowers. Then, she listened to a voicemail that her grandmother (my mom) had left for her during a difficult time. Her Grandma told her that she loved her, and she wished she were there to give her a hug. My mom died eight years ago at 93. I had no idea that she kept the voicemail.
Then, I cried.
So beautiful. Thank you for sharing. xoxo
That bought tears to my eyes. That is wonderful that she has that voice mail form her granny and that it brings her comfort.
As always, thanks for your wise words. I was so optimistic on Tuesday morning, so the evening results hit hard. Woke on Wednesday in a fog, then finally started moving! We will get through this detour, even though we did not choose it.
I seem to be on the other side… I’m rejoicing
Please no politics! Honestly, your advice is just great way to live daily.
I’m very sorry you were sad. I, and millions of other Americans were ecstatic.
I ate a pint of ice cream for dinner two nights in a row and shopped unintentionally. Today I'll reclaim my living room, unpack the suitcase from a trip to North Carolina to watch the election with the eldest family member. I'll practice cello. Last night I bought a train ticket to see "The Time Is Always Now: Artists Reframe the Black Figure" at the Philadelphia Museum. Art and music remind me that I am human, with all that it encompasses - sorrow, rage, hurt. I unsubscribed to the New York Times, Washington Post, NPR, Guardian, and Huffington Post. In my remaining years, which are said to be few, I will not allow his image, name, or words in my space. Today this is how I know how to take care of me.
This is so beautiful and human and moving. Thank you for sharing. Big hugs and deep breaths. xoxo
Thanks for posting this. It's helped a lot, even though some of the comments here are reminding me of why many of us are so sad.
Thanks for sharing this Shira. For naming your feelings and lovely things you did for yourself and your family, neighbors and community. With you in that. And having similar feelings. I went on a walk and connected with some local businesses through random acts of kindness. And had one on one time with each of my kiddos. It was very supportive.
I'm sorry. I feel you! Thank you for this.
Yesterday, after feeling the insane amount of anxiety I felt at the beginning of the pandemic, wondering what the heck the world had come to, I drove more "nicely" than usual. I was much more aware of letting people go if they were trying to take a left turn, slowing down a little to give someone an easier chance of turning onto a main road, etc. It was a tiny thing, but it made me feel good to do something nice for others, hoping it would encourage them to do something nice in return, or at least feel good that someone noticed them and wanted to help them out. We're all in this together. We all need to work together and come together, somehow.
I went to a farmed animal sanctuary and smashed pumpkins for the piggies. So many wins there.
Haha, I love this!
Thanks so much for sharing this, Shira. 💙
I love your TIME article. It’s so practical and encouraging! I will absolutely be putting your advice to use today.
I'm not American and I shed a tear for your nation. Thank you for the motivation, keep moving forward, my mom is a small but tenacious woman, she gets up everyday and gets stuff done, even if she is tired or sore, she keeps going. This too will pass, keep looking forward, with your head held high.