Now What?

Halloween and the election are over and many of us had some trouble determining where when left off and the other began. But, be that as it may, we’re all still stuck with our own lives and problems and rewards.
And, Yes, we all still have our own small spheres of influence just as we did before the election. And will after the next.

Yes, it would be easy to use this distasteful picture of the electoral process and voter profiles – again, the election was decided more by those who didn’t vote than those of us who did – to sink into depression and despair.

Or you could use this as motivation to firm up your resolve, continue or begin your life as a sober advocate for tolerance, acceptance, appreciation, and mutual good will.

Once again, the choice is yours. If you want to better understand what actually occurred in this election, I highly recommend “Hillbilly Elegy” by J. D. Vance, an unflinching look at at the culture of ignorance and violence by one who escaped.

I believe that’s enough said on the topic. Next week I’ll return to more usual considerations, but in the meantime, regardless of your political views, reflect on what you might do to contribute towards stemming bigotry, violence, sexism, and other forms of infantile bullying and tantrum throwing. That list of possibilities probably doesn’t include staying drunk as usual.

The End of the Year

This year Christmas and New Year’s both fall on Sundays. That means that you could work with us from December 19th – 23rd, or even the 22nd, and be home in time for Christmas Eve with a great present for everyone in your life you care about.

Or you could work with me, and our colleague Dr. Debbie Silveria, from December 26 – 30 and get 2017 off to a great start.

Perhaps you could also accomplish that by scheduling you work with Mary Ellen and I for January 2 – 6?

Yes, it’s time to begin planning for the next year. Choose, plan, act. Those are 3 steps I think we can all agree on.