One Day at a Time

Approaching national election. Nasty but important that one candidate be removed from office and a more stable one elected. Natural disasters plentiful: wildfires in the west; hurricanes and tropical depression storms in the south and Gulf states; COVID-19 pandemic spreading its trauma nationwide; COVID induced economic disaster nationally. Incivility everywhere among the people. 

Dealing with all of this is a challenge.

Depression. Suicide. Failing health. Limited horizons. Diminished hope. Failed businesses. Failed careers or careers on hold. Bankruptcy of families. Loss of homes and housing. Bankrupt businesses. Government units in financial distress. The signs of brokenness everywhere.

These thoughts are downers. Reality does not allow turning a blind eye to the troubles. They must be lived. We must push through them to survive.

To do that we gather our strengths and little pleasures. A sip of coffee. A deep breath inhaled then slowly released. Loving gazes on dear ones near and far. Memories of better times. Enjoying the now of who and what we have in our lives. It is not all bad.

We pull together our hopes and dreams. We lean on values and beliefs. Our faith in whatever foundation we have or have had. From all of this we build hope. Hope for what will come after. Hope for what will be. On the other side of now.

Coping skills come with effort. They are a must. They need support. And time. Time to think. Time to implement. Time to heal.

It is what we do to survive. And we will.

Thrive is tomorrow. It is what hope builds.

September 13, 2020