Distress (acrylic) by Polly CastorI am stunned, saddened, and deeply concerned about the election results here in the US. I feel it was enormously important for it to have gone another way. I’ve made no secret about where I stand, and worked toward influencing a different outcome. However, despite grieving for all the uneducated, manipulated, and misinformed voters out there, let alone feeling frustration over a gerrymandered electoral process, and compounded by a profound apprehension over where this will lead, I’m not going to write a rant this morning like I did the morning after in 2016 (you can read that here).
Whether you agree with my feelings this morning or not, this post still will be relevant to you because this isn’t the only thing going on. There are all sorts of other concerns out there, global ones, personal ones, family, church, or community ones. So instead of ranting, I’ve decided to take this proactive opportunity to write and say that worry is like a rocking chair; it keeps you busy, but doesn’t get you anywhere.
All any of us can do is what Stephen Covey taught me decades ago in Seven Habits of Highly Effective People (an all-time favorite book): to focus instead on “what is in our own sphere of influence.”
We can only do something about what we can do something about. Clean the toilet, care for the elderly, feed the parrot, purchase groceries, comfort the grieving, pay your bills, do your homework, paint that frustration out, get on with your exercise program. Whatever it is, get out of the paralysis of analysis, and do something instead. It will feel better and actually be useful.
Worried about the detrimental environmental effects of factory farmed red meat? Become a vegetarian and abstain. Concerned about the poisons in processed foods? Avoid eating them either by growing your own produce or supporting local organic food sources. Think people should be praying more? Do it yourself.
Don’t always accept that the issue is out there. It is actually an inside job, multiplied over billions. You are not in charge of them, but you are in charge of yourself. You vote every moment with your attitude, and with your dollar, with your love and generosity, your integrity, and how you consecrate your time. Make each of those votes matter in your own little microcosm; make every single second count.
Trust that the good you do ripples out, and has an effect in the larger picture. To use the vegetarian example, in 1981, when I became a vegetarian, no one even knew the word. Now 43 years later, you know the word, and two percent of the world’s population are vegetarians. That two percent is not only having a positive environmental impact, they are an example to others, and at some point that influence can snowball. Patience is a long game, but is one we need to play.
So get off the couch. Stop being glued to the news. Go for a walk and feel the breeze on your face; be grateful you can move. Take a shower and revel in the warm water slucing down over you; a couple centuries ago they didn’t have that amazing technology. Be grateful for all the good everywhere.
Be fully employed in amplifying good today, even if your doctor’s test result came back in a way you hoped it wouldn’t have, or you just heard you have to put your dog down. Sometimes we are fortunate enough to be elated, other times there are more than enough challenges. But in every situation– regardless of what it is–choosing your attitude, not based on external circumstances, will make the biggest difference.
It is never so much about the situation, as it is about how we decide to respond. Choose an empowering, peace-giving, compassionate, and loving response today regardless of whether you feel like a winner or a loser. Do something within your sphere of influence. Right where you are, there is something to rejoice about. Obvious or subtle, let’s magnify that.
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15 Comments
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Thank you. I was thinking along the same lines.
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Thank you Polly for your much needed thoughts.
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Thanks, Polly, for such positive advice on a somewhat gloomy November day in the UK!
I am grateful for so much good going on in my life after celebrating a Golden Wedding Anniversary last week with my husband and our whole family. So much love and joy was expressed.
I think being grateful for even small things in our lives is the way to go despite all the bad news. And you are the expert in showing us the way! X-
Author
Happy Anniversary Dilys!!
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Thank you Polly x
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Yes.
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Thank you for this. This was much needed this morning. Concentrating on my sphere of influence is something I can do to amplify good in this world, even if I am feeling numb/paralyzed with anxiety.
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So helpful, Polly. Thanks. I am tryjng to find words to describe my feelings and to help others in this …crisis of confusion and you’ve given me some.
Much love,
SMK
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I so needed to hear your messsge today, Polly. I am sharing it with many of the people I love who are feeling a bit lost right now.
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Thank you.
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Well said Polly and much needed by my husband and I . We are shocked , sad, and disgusted with the results of this election and feel like our beliefs and values no longer align with our beloved country. We will take a walk down Pemaquid Peninsula today to clear our hearts . Then come back and paint!
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I am grateful for the hundreds of poll workers I was among as we processed ballots and manned the polls. Such good people!
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Thank you, Polly.
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Good message.
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Thank you Polly, it has been a grayand murky day here on the edges of the .English countryside .
So glad to read your message, we can make a difference no matter who we are even if it is just a heart felt smile to a stranger. It is a joy to see each others faces light up in that moment of connection.
