Friday, December 29, 2017

My Weekend America

Well, this waking nightmare of a year is almost over. I can’t say I’ll miss it. I can’t say it hasn’t been complete garbage. But I can say we have to take our happiness where we can. In this moment in history – where unabashed bigotry, greed and hatred is the norm – joy can be an act of rebellion in and of itself. Celebrate our victories, support each other, find our joy. It wasn’t easy, but I found some joy this year. In those closest to me, in those I love. I hope you found the same. And may we all find more and more of it in the year ahead.

This year has been draining in ways its hard to fully comprehend. So much rage and fear and sorrow and exhaustion and despair. Sometimes it’s hard to keep believing. But in those moments it helps to look around at this ridiculously vast land, this country cobbled together by immigrants, this patchwork of every imaginable kind of human. America doesn’t always feel beautiful. But, underneath it all, it can be so much more. And that, that is always worth fighting for. May you end this year in peace, and may you find more joy in 2018. Happy end of 2017 weekend, all.

2 comments:

Helena said...

Thanks for all your insightful writing of 2017. It helped to keep us in the loop with the good and bad happening in the world. Really appreciate your effort. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous and peaceful 2018. And if the mood takes you, you are welcome to visit us here in South Africa :) xxx

Carmen SanDiego said...

Well, this immigrant became an American citizen this year. I crossed my arms instead of clapping for the video president welcoming all 3981 of us (from 114 countries) to the American family
Have a very happy 2018 DS