Six weeks off. I paused writing and posting a blog on July 26th, taking the month of August off. A lot has happened in those weeks.
For me personally, I did do many of the fun summer things, attend a theater show and a concert, go to a farmer’s market, take a hike. I also harvested apples, blackberries, tomatoes, potatoes, and cherries. And there is more bounty to harvest.
And there were several family gatherings. These seemed particularly special because some of us had not seen each other in at least a year and a half. Of course, I kept up painting, coaching and also kept up with other responsibilities and activities.
I did not go to Canada. Although the border was open, the requirements to cross were demanding. That took all the spontaneity and some to the fun out of it. And no ziplining yet. Who knows, maybe that will still happen, although the season is changing. But there is plenty of time for more hikes, too.
For me, it was a busy, rewarding time. But for the community I live in, and this country, and the world, this was a difficult, tumultuous six weeks. Instead of feeling rested and satisfied with my August vacation, the traumas of the world crowd in, COVID’s renewed grip, events in Afghanistan, major hurricane damage, and serious evidence of climate change.
I try to balance my well-being, actions that I can take, and concerns for the world around me. It’s a precarious balance. How do I maintain an action-focused sense of hope, in the face of the difficulties and disasters in the world?
These are things I aspire to do or will continue to do,
- Send money to organizations supporting for Afghanistan refugees
- Do research on how to further support and house refugees
- Join groups that focus on assisting refugees
- Work with my church to put together clean-up buckets for hurricane-ravaged areas
- Continue supporting friends, and doing volunteer work in the community
- Work on my house to make it more energy neutral
- And finally, dare to speak up, trying to remember to start by asking clarifying questions to understand someone else!
It’s not much, but I believe that any positive act can have a positive, ripple effect, spreading out to impact others. One never knows the full impact of their actions. I hope that they add to further positive change.