Note to Self
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“He drew a circle that shut me out. Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout …”
This election left me reeling, along with more than half the country. I felt sucker-punched on Nov. 9, my 70th birthday. Why? I felt that my values, gained over a lifetime of experience, had been totally disrespected. Add to that a feeling of anxiety and a foggy fear of the unknown.
My values include: tolerance trumps bigotry; respect trumps misogyny; civility trumps nastiness; compassion trumps ridicule; gentility trumps lewdness; character trumps amorality; wisdom trumps naivete; moderation trumps extremism; the environment trumps corporate wealth; critical thinking trumps entrenched ideology; reality trumps fake news; women’s rights trump the good ol’ boys club; kindness trumps bullying; hybrid vigor trumps sameness; courage trumps fear; gentlemen trump boors; globalism trumps toxic tribalism; progress trumps regression; compromise trumps obstruction; character trumps politics; listening trumps interrupting; stability trumps impulsiveness; honesty trumps lying; real women trump trophy wives; good taste trumps gaudiness; inclusivity trumps exclusivity; humility trumps ego; Jesus trumps Caesar; and my alltime favorite, love trumps hate. And that’s just for starters.
So what do I, along with the majority of Americans like me, do now? I suggest that we do not despair, but we follow the advice found on a post-it note in the NYC subway: “Be the hero you need.” We should stand tall and fight for our values, those held near and dear. We should hold onto our dignity, our hope, and our sense of humor. We should be the hero we need.
As for me, I will aspire to be the best person, the best citizen, the best American, and the best human being that I possibly can. I plan to continue to volunteer, both at school and in church. I plan to help my friend by editing his book. I plan to keep singing. I will keep reading and learning. I will continue to lead a spiritual group. I will keep my passion for writing and painting alive. I will donate to progressive causes. I will love and help my family and friends. I will use my first amendment rights to advocate for my values. I will practice deep listening, to understand others. I will seek love, life, and laughter. And I will take the high road, as the view is much prettier from up there.
Above all, I will remember that democracy is a messy, difficult business. We are still a very young country, trying to figure out who we are. Like an awkward, gangly teenager, we lurch ahead in life, making mistakes, self-correcting and making more mistakes. As uncomfortable and embarrassing as it is, like discovering our first pimples, it is all worth it in the end. I am worth it. You are worth it. America is worth it.
And finally, I will find solace in knowing that the political pendulum always swings back the other direction, seeking equilibrium; just as I am seeking peace, harmony and understanding. Always.
“… But love and I had the wit to win. We drew a circle that took him in.” —Edwin Markham, from the poem, “Outwitted.”
