I’m unsure if it is the wet chilly weather or perhaps the waning of the year, but recent weeks have been kicking my behind.
Things that used to get my creative juices working overtime are now surprises on the calendar. Even work is, well, work. It’s been a long while since I felt like that.
Is it the holiday blues? Is it because the kids are all grown up and moved away? Is it age, burnout or illness?
No, no and no. Like many of us I am feeling the weight of an uneasy world on my shoulders. There are wars and rumors of wars. No matter how you feel politically, the economy is in shoddy shape. I’m worried the Republic we live in is in its swan song. The Great Experiment, as we were once called, may fail, and fail soon.
So, what is there to do to shake the feeling and find some hope and comfort in our everyday world?
First, I (and those around me who feel the same way. I know you are out there) have got to stop focusing on the big picture. It’s a mess out there and there isn’t a whole lot I can do about it.
But here in Blaine County, there are a few wins. It’s wrestling season again. There are bound to be some slobber-knockers soon.
Geary seems to have a hold on its budget. It’s a tight budget, just like the households in the county, but it is working.
Watonga won first place in Keep Oklahoma Beautiful for communities less than 25,000. Won because we picked up our garbage and put it in the dumpsters. And the town looks better.
Next, I (we) have to learn to let go. We should go to church and tell the Big Editor we know he is in charge and there isn’t much we can do. It’s ok if you don’t talk to him in church. I’ve had great conversations with Copy Editor 1 at the ocean, in a rodeo arena or deep in a snowy wood. He’s there too, and he’ll answer.
Lastly, stop believing we’re that important. I’m not going to end a war, or right the economy, or solve immigration. But I can be happy and grateful for what is right and good and lovely.
If that isn’t enough, it’s time to find help, whether it’s a pastor, a doctor or an online resource. No one is going to think the less of you for asking for that help. It may be the bravest, most sane thing we can do in these crazy times.