I don’t know about you, but I am stressed. Gee, I wonder why?

• The election is tomorrow and it’s a choice unlike any other.
• We have a President casting doubt on our tradition of free and fair elections, encouraging voter intimidation and suppression, forecasting bedlam if he doesn’t win, and making statements that suggest that this is the year the United States of America may fail to have a peaceful transition of power.
• Businesses and public buildings alike are being boarded up in anticipation of violence.
• Pandemic numbers are surging to new heights while too many people profess pandemic fatigue or personal rights and refuse to wear masks that will protect themselves and others.
• The cold is driving us indoors where shared air space negates the value of distance.
• My own inner circle has been pierced by Covid and I’ve attended my first virtual memorial service (see my Parting Thoughts below).
• The nights are getting longer and coming earlier.
• Our upcoming holidays are looking more gloomy than festive.

At the same, I try to push the weight aside and remind myself that I am one of the most fortunate:

• My health is good.
• I am not recently unemployed, nor in fear of losing my job.
• I don’t have to watch every penny I spend, nor worry about whether I’ll have enough to eat.
• I have a nice place to live with no fear of eviction.
• My family, friends, and neighbors are kind, joyful, loving, and supportive.
• My white privilege protects me from racial injustice.
• I have abundant opportunities for naturally socially-distant activities such as hiking, canoeing, and skiing in the beautiful, cleansing outdoors.
• If I get creative, I know I can find new ways to make the holidays–and every day–more festive than gloomy.
• I have things to look forward to such as my next book, The Power of Clarity, coming out in May and being able to reveal the cover very soon.
• I can still laugh and smile.
• My credit card just notified me that NordicTrack has charged me for my new elliptical, which means it should arrive soon and my muscles won’t all atrophy with no hiking or indoor pickleball to keep me in shape this winter.
• Our new bird feeders bring colorful surprises to our window nearly every day.

Our pleasures can be so simple, our needs so common, and our fragility so disconcerting.

I fervently hope the election goes smoothly, every vote is counted, the best man wins and does so graciously, thoughtful respect prevails in our discourse and mask-wearing, and each of you remains or emerges healthy and whole. There was a time when that was not too much to ask. Let’s hope we all feel better and are sleeping better a month from now.

Parting Thoughts – On Death At A Distance

While you can share pictures, memories, and music at a virtual memorial service, there is one critical element missing. You might think it is hugs, and it is that, but it’s more than that. Without multiple face-to-face interactions, you don’t get to see your memories, love, and the lost individual herself reflected in the eyes of others. You don’t get see each other become, if only for a split second, a better person through the appreciation of the best qualities of a person you both cherished.

Wear a mask, stay outside, and let’s crush this pandemic so we can once again gather to celebrate what makes us human.