Dear Ones,
It occurred to me, several years back, that second hand wisdom is a bit harder to hold on to than the Life is for Learning kind.
Recently, I realized that sometimes they bump into each other in particular moments. Now, I think, is one of those times.
And, I suspect I’m about to butt in. So be it. I’ve traveled far enough in my journey to take the flack.
In the words of Michael Pollan, Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.
Recycle. But, better yet, buy less stuff that comes encased in junk.
Register to vote. Yes, you. Now. Even if it means going online and wrestling with abysmal government websites. This is how we win! (And my girls are counting on you.) If you happen to live in Georgia, you have just less than 30 days. Now would be really good.
Pick up a paint brush. Or a wild purple Sharpie marker. Or, what the heck, some strawberry jam. Draw. Paint. Smear it around. Make big shoulder motions. Laugh when it gets on your clothes. Make loose, swirly, integrating motions. Good comes from adventures like this.
Go do something for somebody else.
You are healed enough. Really!
And make room for the possibility that you can do something for you, too.
Yes, you’re going to have to grapple with fear.
Newness is always that way.
What has been, can be changed.
Honest.
For you and for those you love and for those on the far corners of the planet who long for peace as much as you do.
How do I know?
Not simply because I remember Simon and Garfunkel from back in Central Park in the dark ages when I was a kid, though that helps.
Rather, because I have known a lot of change. Have longed for a lot of change. And have ventured into a lot of darkness to find change.
As the old song goes, it’s a lot about vision.
The kind that looks beyond the places we’ve always been and into the options for the future.
Yes, the journey is scary.
But it’s better than staying stuck. Better than giving into the machine. Better than setting down our paintbrushes.
Does it matter?
Do you matter?
Absolutely!
You just have to show up.
And, just between us, I’m counting on you.
So, as I mentioned, are my girls.
And the rest of the people on the planet with us.
Luther, for one, will be glad you jumped on board. He comes from a long line of fiercely compassionate peacemakers. And is more than willing to adopt you!