Thanks for asking, Kevin

How are you managing...?

This morning in a text conversation Kevin Bryant (our friendship goes back to the 1980’s) asked How are you managing all the bullshit? That was all it took to get my juices flowing. Here is my response, expanded with further reflection.

I’ll start with connections – family, friends, community, others who share similar convictions and concerns. The crazier things get the more important it is that we hold each other close. I have a strong commitment to live as an example for my kids and grandkids. My life has brought broad connections in varied settings. I love friendships that last over the decades.

I read somewhere not to throw pearls before swine - I take this as not getting too sucked into petty conversations or dead-end relationships.

Be informed - news, media, books, and pods. Also knowing when to escape it all with sports or watching mindless TV.

Act locally - know local politics and politicians, support, connect, and take part in local actions and events.

Don’t forget the arts – concerts, plays, and music bring breath and often a fresh perspective during ongoing storms.

Read broadly – years ago I made a commitment that over half of the authors I read would be other than white males (old, white, cis, American males). I no longer keep track but believe that the majority of the authors I now read represent the fuller spectrum of humanity. I, also, rotate books, read one fiction, and the next book non-fiction.

Find and support those making a difference – I commit my time, energy, and money to causes and organizations that are making things happen in the areas that are most crucial, from my perspective, in the moment while building for a better future.

Do things that feed my soul – writing and getting my work out there. Next week I am reading poetry I wrote at a community event. I love this stuff.

Light a candle – We light candles at home, lighting candles is my favorite part of church gatherings. Each time I light a candle I think of a person or a group of people and how I value them and the hope I have that their future will be enriched.

Get pissed off and blow off steam - Have safe people who can listen and be supportive and have my private space to scream at the forces when no one else needs to hear.

Keep moving - be aware of but not obsessed with health. I walk 2 – 4 miles a day, try to eat well and connect regularly with medical professionals.

I want to keep growing, learning, and changing - otherwise I think I will have died before my body gets the message.

Influence - for me, this is the greatest skill, tool, and gift that I have. Any way I can support and help others will be passed from them to others in their circles and on through the ages.

I’ll stop here and hope you have your ways to hold to the essentials when it all seems so out of control.

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