I am struggling mightily with our collective situation and i fear the worst is yet to come. All of your suggestions are so important. I would add to surround yourself with music, keep it on on the background of your daily tasks. Play it loudly when you can and dance like no one is watcing. Meditate to it daily. Music is therapeutic and healing. It has always been my lifeblood.
Yes, music is very important to my well-being. I put on my best walking music and dance it all out. When I’m dancing I feel so young again. I’m 65 and in good health. So I appreciate that every day.
I've been listening to a lot of music and it's the only thing that calms me I have. I don't turn the TV on cuz nothing interests me. I can't sit quiet enough to watch it but with music. I can you know sit or do whatever
Leave all social media outlets that have gone full-tilt fascist. Use Goods Unite Us to avoid spending money with businesses that support fascist politicians and causes. Support local progressive businesses, especially those owned by minorities and vulnerable people, whenever possible.
I started buying from Ace Hardware because it's smaller than Amazon or Walmart. Now I've read Ace Hardware as a corporation also was a Trump donor. The thing is, when I went in our local Ace Hardware, although the store is sizable, there were very few customers. When we headed for the door after making purchases, four employees were by the door in a line to say goodbye, smiling, grateful for our business with them. I am sorry for the employees there, no longer busy because everyone flocks to the bigger places. Even though the local store belongs to the corporation, the feelings of the local employees bother me.
My husband always shopped at our local Ace Hardware as often as he could, despite the corporate donations. At least he knew the people there. Lowe’s and Home Depot both donate big to the asshole party, too.
Hi again Andra, I downloaded the Goods Unite Us app, and looked up Amazon, fully expecting it to say the Donation Distribution was 100% (or close to it) Republican. But it says the Donation Distribution is 68% Democrat and 32% Republican. This really makes me question the validity of the app since Jeff Bezos (the owner of Amazon) was 1 of the 3 billionaires that were on the inaugural platform at the Trump inauguration???
No, not as far as I can tell. I can't share it in this reply, but if you click on the Reviews tab of the app, Amazon has terrible reviews in regards to how their workers are treated etc. On the Politicians tab, it shows Top Recent Politicians Funded as - mostly Democrats, EVEN KAMALA HARRIS!! Something smells fishy...this doesn't make sense...
It’s pretty standard for companies as big as Amazon to buy everyone. That will likely change now, as Bezos has thrown his total support behind fascism.
I am fortunate to live alone. My Cult Member family members live in other states. I also am retired and am not required to interact socially.
I do not have a scheduled routine. Why is this good you may ask. Well, my sleep patterns are my own....I can escape into a nap any time I want, I can eat when I want what I want. And when I do watch the news I can cuss as much as I want as loud as I want. My poor kitty thinks her new name is Fuck.
Unfortunately, I am going on a 5 day cruise with my extreme MAGA sister and 12 of her like minded friends. Why go? Because she is paying for it and it was planned before the election. At least my other sister who is like minded with me is going. She has a calming effect on me. Cruise ships are large and busy and I can avoid them.
My biggest self-care is the daily phone calls with my daughter who is very politically savvy and totally like minded with me.. She is a retired Army Sgt so we can cuss a lot.
What we have found is humor.....sharing photos of Melania's Hamburglar hat and Ivanka's Handmaid Tale green dress. We now refer to her as OfJared,
But in our daily conversations we video chat and she shows me the snow, the frozen Chesapeake Bay, the dogs whom I love .
So I say all that to say ......find at least one friend to laugh and cuss with
DANG SISTAH’, you hit the nail🔨of some of the joys of solo lifestyle straight & true!! ABSOLUTELY 💖💙🩵💚 your life-saving humorous comments, as well!!
🇺🇸🗽You have thoughtfully crafted wise, self-protective, survival plans while you cruise travel!! Ships ARE so vast & activities so varied it is more than likely you can avoid the toxic red MAGats tide until disembarkation.
🎊BON VOYAGE, 🎊have a cuss n’ cocktail hour for me!!🚢🩵💨🩵💨🩵💨
Limit media consumption. Get outside once a day - I am terrible at withdrawing so this is a big one for me. Chuck the “rules” my boomer parents out the window such as penny-pinching every last dime, never taking vacations (just work *all* the time); and, never questioning “American Exceptionalism”.
As a 47 year old, single, female liberal lawyer living in deep red MAGA-land, I am personally terrified. Moving ex-US is becoming more and more appealing.
We looked into it. It is very difficult for old people to immigrate. My Grandchild and spouse will be coming soon. It breaks my heart because our family is very close both in proximity and emotionally. I am afraid, yet can’t stop posting on Bluesky. I have learned a lot there as well.
Hopefully, you can plan lots of visits and spend time together that way. And posting on positive platforms is not a bad thing, it certainly helps to know that you are not alone!
We looked into it (both seniors), but we refuse to abandon our kids, grandkids, and soon great grandkid. Besides, don't be surprised if they try some fuckery with the internet.
I've found it best to read a good summary of Project 2025. That way, the shock will be lessened and you know what to prepare for.
I also think international vacation trips are a bad idea right now with the citizenship bullshit. YMMV.
Thanks for the comments. My one thing is to challenge the revoking of the 1965 EO 11246 and its subsequent 11375 that formed the bedrock of our fight for equal opportunity in the early 70s. I wrote a book about that fight- Women, Power, and AT&T: Winning Rights in the Workplace. Those changes were integrated into corporate behavior and should not be killed by MAGA edict. Corporations found equity to be good for business.
Thanks for this, Lois! I had to remind myself of this history & for those that are interested, Wikipedia does a good job w/it dating back to FDR in 1941, DDE in 1953 & LBJ in 1965. Appalling that the one in the Oval Office rescinded it this week w/his favorite black sharpie :(
My safe space is Ireland and has been for over 30 years. I travel there 2-3 times a year and this year I plan to be there every other month with the people who "get" me and make me feel so welcome and safe. I'm going to try to limit my doom scrolling. I went for a week and just got back last night. While I was there I limited my self to reading headlines and made damn sure not to watch a second of the shitshow on Monday. I'm still working as an early intervention evaluator and that keeps my mind distracted. When I'm home I am going to walk my dog more than I already do, limit my TV watching to my favorite mysteries, try to read at least a book a week and continue to crochet for charity. The big one for me is remembering to breathe...
Stay off the social media that I just deactivated. And follow through with deleting once I’ve heard from contacts that I only see on those social media apps. I’ve given myself till the end of February for that …continue to walk, meditate, do yoga, and spend time with the folks with disabilities whom I have worked with for decades. They are grounding to me and I to them. Stay true to myself and what I believe in and don’t get lulled into complacencyby living in the blue state of Massachusetts, because every part of the country matters. Continue to support my LGBTQ friends and family, and that means standing up to family members who say “I love your transgender son, but I voted for and support the current regime in Washington”. Those two are incompatible with each other.
Call friends often and be with them when you can. Hug your pets. Read. And most importantly, find that one thing you can do to fight back against MAGA and do it.
My pet and most wonderful companion and ONLY one in my life at this stage is my life line, teacher and has been sent here at the most needed time.. She is and has been showing me so much and since she found me...Wow I could write a book.
I've been studying Stoic philosophy (it's not what the MAGA bros think it is) and escaping to genre fiction and music. We also have three cats, two dogs, and a bunch of fish. All those things help.
For now, we two senior citizens are keeping a low profile, watching, and listening. We're in deep MAGA territory (Hawley's district). If doesn't help that I'm immune compromised.
You're right on - as a mental health counselor who loves both Jesus and my country - I needed your advice. I woke up sick today so my body is taking the brunt. At the same time, I do not want to withdraw so I've been emailing and calling my senators to not confirm Hegseth as he is an untreated alcoholic and our national security is at risk (PS- I'm an addiction treatment and prevention specialist). I've shared your email challenging clergy to speak truth to power and I'm listening to classical music.
At a doctors appointment the other day, I accidentally let a “fuck” slip out as I was speaking. I immediately apologized. Then I turned to my friend (who drove me to the appointment), and said, “why am I apologizing, they elected a rapist and felon president, I’m going to say fuck If I want to”. I looked at the masked doctor (a 30 something female) who was smiling and laughing, and later in the neuro cognitive part of the exam where the question of, “who is the president” is asked, merely said, “we’ll skip that question”! PS: I live in a very red state and have to silently seek out Democratic allies.
Living in Ohio is becoming more and more terrifying -- not to mention infuriating. Trying to listen to JS Bach . . . a LOT of Bach. The Cleveland Museum of Art. Hiking the Metroparks when it's not -50 degrees (or thereabouts). Eating too much Mitchell's dark-roast-coffee ice cream. Above all, trying to figure out how we can resist and become what we should be/have been -- and how we can revamp our educational system so we can avoid future idiocracy.
I have stopped watching a lot of the news, especially Morning Joe. I loved Joe, and once he and his ding dong wife went down to Mar A Lago, I was out. Don't give me your excuses of " we did not have to tell you we went. We were just doing our job. Fuck you Joe.
I am unfortunately dealing with a health issue, right now. I'm in pain for most of the day and this is the 3rd month. I'm so weak, physically and emotionally. Music helps and I try to not to watch very much news.
I’m having a postcard writing party with like minded people from my church (UCC). Pets. Crazy Michael Schur produced shows. Following progressive minded clergy like you. Working with the future (pre-service teachers, as a substitute, volunteering with foster kids and differently abled people). Using the Finch and Calm apps. Trying to read a passage a day ONLY from the New Testament, Psalms, or Proverbs (no Leviticus for me!). Donate to ACLU.
I am struggling mightily with our collective situation and i fear the worst is yet to come. All of your suggestions are so important. I would add to surround yourself with music, keep it on on the background of your daily tasks. Play it loudly when you can and dance like no one is watcing. Meditate to it daily. Music is therapeutic and healing. It has always been my lifeblood.
Yes, music is very important to my well-being. I put on my best walking music and dance it all out. When I’m dancing I feel so young again. I’m 65 and in good health. So I appreciate that every day.
I've been listening to a lot of music and it's the only thing that calms me I have. I don't turn the TV on cuz nothing interests me. I can't sit quiet enough to watch it but with music. I can you know sit or do whatever
Yes, yes, yes! It’s my go-to also.
I do exactly that, and it does and provides exactly what you outlined! Hugs!
Leave all social media outlets that have gone full-tilt fascist. Use Goods Unite Us to avoid spending money with businesses that support fascist politicians and causes. Support local progressive businesses, especially those owned by minorities and vulnerable people, whenever possible.
I started buying from Ace Hardware because it's smaller than Amazon or Walmart. Now I've read Ace Hardware as a corporation also was a Trump donor. The thing is, when I went in our local Ace Hardware, although the store is sizable, there were very few customers. When we headed for the door after making purchases, four employees were by the door in a line to say goodbye, smiling, grateful for our business with them. I am sorry for the employees there, no longer busy because everyone flocks to the bigger places. Even though the local store belongs to the corporation, the feelings of the local employees bother me.
My husband always shopped at our local Ace Hardware as often as he could, despite the corporate donations. At least he knew the people there. Lowe’s and Home Depot both donate big to the asshole party, too.
I've never heard of Goods Unite Us but you can bet I'll be looking them up as soon as I finish typing this reply! Thank you so so much!!! 💙💙💙
Hi again Andra, I downloaded the Goods Unite Us app, and looked up Amazon, fully expecting it to say the Donation Distribution was 100% (or close to it) Republican. But it says the Donation Distribution is 68% Democrat and 32% Republican. This really makes me question the validity of the app since Jeff Bezos (the owner of Amazon) was 1 of the 3 billionaires that were on the inaugural platform at the Trump inauguration???
Does it give a timeframe? Does it separate Amazon from Bezos’ personal foundations or various PACs he may control?
No, not as far as I can tell. I can't share it in this reply, but if you click on the Reviews tab of the app, Amazon has terrible reviews in regards to how their workers are treated etc. On the Politicians tab, it shows Top Recent Politicians Funded as - mostly Democrats, EVEN KAMALA HARRIS!! Something smells fishy...this doesn't make sense...
It’s pretty standard for companies as big as Amazon to buy everyone. That will likely change now, as Bezos has thrown his total support behind fascism.
Sadly, I agree. I don't know what else to say right now... I just keep praying.
I am fortunate to live alone. My Cult Member family members live in other states. I also am retired and am not required to interact socially.
I do not have a scheduled routine. Why is this good you may ask. Well, my sleep patterns are my own....I can escape into a nap any time I want, I can eat when I want what I want. And when I do watch the news I can cuss as much as I want as loud as I want. My poor kitty thinks her new name is Fuck.
Unfortunately, I am going on a 5 day cruise with my extreme MAGA sister and 12 of her like minded friends. Why go? Because she is paying for it and it was planned before the election. At least my other sister who is like minded with me is going. She has a calming effect on me. Cruise ships are large and busy and I can avoid them.
My biggest self-care is the daily phone calls with my daughter who is very politically savvy and totally like minded with me.. She is a retired Army Sgt so we can cuss a lot.
What we have found is humor.....sharing photos of Melania's Hamburglar hat and Ivanka's Handmaid Tale green dress. We now refer to her as OfJared,
But in our daily conversations we video chat and she shows me the snow, the frozen Chesapeake Bay, the dogs whom I love .
So I say all that to say ......find at least one friend to laugh and cuss with
I have two cats. Their names have become “Oh Shit” and “Dammit” !
We have Thing One and Two. The kitteh sisters fit that perfectly.
Love it
Love your letter! Thanks for the relief from laughing!🥰👏🏻🎶🤣
Right on..!!!
Lmao hamburgler 🥳 hat.
Ya living alone does have it's advantage s. My dog gets a variety of entertainment as well..:)
DANG SISTAH’, you hit the nail🔨of some of the joys of solo lifestyle straight & true!! ABSOLUTELY 💖💙🩵💚 your life-saving humorous comments, as well!!
🇺🇸🗽You have thoughtfully crafted wise, self-protective, survival plans while you cruise travel!! Ships ARE so vast & activities so varied it is more than likely you can avoid the toxic red MAGats tide until disembarkation.
🎊BON VOYAGE, 🎊have a cuss n’ cocktail hour for me!!🚢🩵💨🩵💨🩵💨
Rebecca, I wrote to you from Jean( Murie) didn’t say who I responded to… thanks again!
Limit media consumption. Get outside once a day - I am terrible at withdrawing so this is a big one for me. Chuck the “rules” my boomer parents out the window such as penny-pinching every last dime, never taking vacations (just work *all* the time); and, never questioning “American Exceptionalism”.
As a 47 year old, single, female liberal lawyer living in deep red MAGA-land, I am personally terrified. Moving ex-US is becoming more and more appealing.
Thank you for this post.
Come to Canada - we're nice ... at least for now!
We looked into it. It is very difficult for old people to immigrate. My Grandchild and spouse will be coming soon. It breaks my heart because our family is very close both in proximity and emotionally. I am afraid, yet can’t stop posting on Bluesky. I have learned a lot there as well.
Hopefully, you can plan lots of visits and spend time together that way. And posting on positive platforms is not a bad thing, it certainly helps to know that you are not alone!
We looked into it (both seniors), but we refuse to abandon our kids, grandkids, and soon great grandkid. Besides, don't be surprised if they try some fuckery with the internet.
I've found it best to read a good summary of Project 2025. That way, the shock will be lessened and you know what to prepare for.
I also think international vacation trips are a bad idea right now with the citizenship bullshit. YMMV.
Yes, we are hanging close to home.
;)
Do you take gorgeous cats? I am licensed lawyer in 2 states and my cat can likely qualify in at least 1 state
All creatures welcome!
As a 73 yr old boomer, I totally agree with you! :)
Watch birds. 🦉🦆🐦⬛🦅
Definitely!
Oh I LOVE that one!! Today in particular has been a wonderful day to be outside and listen to the beautiful songs of the birds! 🐦💙🎶
Thanks for the comments. My one thing is to challenge the revoking of the 1965 EO 11246 and its subsequent 11375 that formed the bedrock of our fight for equal opportunity in the early 70s. I wrote a book about that fight- Women, Power, and AT&T: Winning Rights in the Workplace. Those changes were integrated into corporate behavior and should not be killed by MAGA edict. Corporations found equity to be good for business.
Thanks for this, Lois! I had to remind myself of this history & for those that are interested, Wikipedia does a good job w/it dating back to FDR in 1941, DDE in 1953 & LBJ in 1965. Appalling that the one in the Oval Office rescinded it this week w/his favorite black sharpie :(
And we do not plan to accept any of this fascism. Marianne keep writing.
And thanks.
Lois, I hope they remember ! Some are looking only at their personal bottom line… never works for all!
My safe space is Ireland and has been for over 30 years. I travel there 2-3 times a year and this year I plan to be there every other month with the people who "get" me and make me feel so welcome and safe. I'm going to try to limit my doom scrolling. I went for a week and just got back last night. While I was there I limited my self to reading headlines and made damn sure not to watch a second of the shitshow on Monday. I'm still working as an early intervention evaluator and that keeps my mind distracted. When I'm home I am going to walk my dog more than I already do, limit my TV watching to my favorite mysteries, try to read at least a book a week and continue to crochet for charity. The big one for me is remembering to breathe...
Stay off the social media that I just deactivated. And follow through with deleting once I’ve heard from contacts that I only see on those social media apps. I’ve given myself till the end of February for that …continue to walk, meditate, do yoga, and spend time with the folks with disabilities whom I have worked with for decades. They are grounding to me and I to them. Stay true to myself and what I believe in and don’t get lulled into complacencyby living in the blue state of Massachusetts, because every part of the country matters. Continue to support my LGBTQ friends and family, and that means standing up to family members who say “I love your transgender son, but I voted for and support the current regime in Washington”. Those two are incompatible with each other.
Call friends often and be with them when you can. Hug your pets. Read. And most importantly, find that one thing you can do to fight back against MAGA and do it.
My pet and most wonderful companion and ONLY one in my life at this stage is my life line, teacher and has been sent here at the most needed time.. She is and has been showing me so much and since she found me...Wow I could write a book.
I've been studying Stoic philosophy (it's not what the MAGA bros think it is) and escaping to genre fiction and music. We also have three cats, two dogs, and a bunch of fish. All those things help.
For now, we two senior citizens are keeping a low profile, watching, and listening. We're in deep MAGA territory (Hawley's district). If doesn't help that I'm immune compromised.
*like a submarine in wartime for now.
My reply is to you
You're right on - as a mental health counselor who loves both Jesus and my country - I needed your advice. I woke up sick today so my body is taking the brunt. At the same time, I do not want to withdraw so I've been emailing and calling my senators to not confirm Hegseth as he is an untreated alcoholic and our national security is at risk (PS- I'm an addiction treatment and prevention specialist). I've shared your email challenging clergy to speak truth to power and I'm listening to classical music.
I think you're going to see a surge in patients for D&A treatment. 😔
At a doctors appointment the other day, I accidentally let a “fuck” slip out as I was speaking. I immediately apologized. Then I turned to my friend (who drove me to the appointment), and said, “why am I apologizing, they elected a rapist and felon president, I’m going to say fuck If I want to”. I looked at the masked doctor (a 30 something female) who was smiling and laughing, and later in the neuro cognitive part of the exam where the question of, “who is the president” is asked, merely said, “we’ll skip that question”! PS: I live in a very red state and have to silently seek out Democratic allies.
Living in Ohio is becoming more and more terrifying -- not to mention infuriating. Trying to listen to JS Bach . . . a LOT of Bach. The Cleveland Museum of Art. Hiking the Metroparks when it's not -50 degrees (or thereabouts). Eating too much Mitchell's dark-roast-coffee ice cream. Above all, trying to figure out how we can resist and become what we should be/have been -- and how we can revamp our educational system so we can avoid future idiocracy.
Dark coffee ice cream sounds heavenly!! Is it a local creamery that makes it?
Dark chocolate ice cream sounds even better. I wonder if anyone makes it? 🤔 😋
That is right up my alley cuz I love coffee
I have stopped watching a lot of the news, especially Morning Joe. I loved Joe, and once he and his ding dong wife went down to Mar A Lago, I was out. Don't give me your excuses of " we did not have to tell you we went. We were just doing our job. Fuck you Joe.
I am unfortunately dealing with a health issue, right now. I'm in pain for most of the day and this is the 3rd month. I'm so weak, physically and emotionally. Music helps and I try to not to watch very much news.
I too am dealing with physical ailments and autoimmune diseases and on and on. So yeah, the music is helpful and my dog of course is the best
I’m having a postcard writing party with like minded people from my church (UCC). Pets. Crazy Michael Schur produced shows. Following progressive minded clergy like you. Working with the future (pre-service teachers, as a substitute, volunteering with foster kids and differently abled people). Using the Finch and Calm apps. Trying to read a passage a day ONLY from the New Testament, Psalms, or Proverbs (no Leviticus for me!). Donate to ACLU.
1. I will make a conscious decision about when and where I’ll get news — and what I’ll do afterwards.
2. I will make human-to-human connection with another person and make sure we stay in motion.
3. I will pray, meditate, or reflect on those I know who are being impacted by oppressive policies, and extend that love to all who may be suffering.
4. I will read, listen to, or share a story about how others have resisted injustice.
5. I will be aware of myself as one who creates.
6. I will take a conscious break from social media.
7. I will commit to sharing with others what’s helping me.
(Source, with more detailed suggestions and explanations:
https://www.findingsteadyground.com/ )