“If Not Now, When?” ~~Hillel

 Antidotes to despair: (begun early Wednesday, November 9, 2016)

My first response to the thought of a Trump presidency came as I awoke Wednesday morning: He is as bad as we think he is. I know this because I know sociopaths do not change, their pathology pervades their personality.

Later, in the midst of despair, I overheard my husband who teaches public speaking to graduates students from around the ten globe at a major university tell a student, “You listened to the small voice within you and spoke from a place of deeper truth for you.” My preoccupation with mourning our loss immediately shifted. I need and want to listen to the still, small voice within me. And here I am writing this blog.

Action can move us from despair and disbelief: for instance, writing this blog after a long silence during which I seemed to have nothing to share. Listen to the action you are called to. No action which adds to your sense of well being is too small. I have already received a concise and powerful poem and an inspiring Facebook post.

Take time to reflect on the deepest meaning you can find. Listen to Hillary’s Wednesday morning speech. Remember that Hillary won the popular vote—as did Al Gore when the Supreme Court decision led to the election of George W. (sometimes referred to as The Shrub!–humor can also help.) Find your words and speak your truth in a way true to you. Use your particular  gift of expression to heal yourself and the world.

I will continue to blog as thoughts arise in me—as they did this morning, November 11 as I honored the Great Spirits on my deck and was surrounded by Earth Mother’s beauty and the heightened danger she she now faces. I will include websites that are energize me. Be sure to wear your safety pin (see Huffington Post story) prominently.

Here are two actions I am involved in addition to blogging and working on my book with renewed commitment:

December 2, I have the privilege of speaking at The Ann and Gerald Stein Women’s Conference “From Wearing the Glass Slipper to Breaking the Glass Ceiling.” This conference is sponsored by The Jewish Board for Family and Children’s Services and held at the United Jewish Appeal Federation, New York City. Through telling my story, I will address our ongoing stories as women who are called on to confront oppression in a patriarchal and hierarchical world that we had hoped was passing way.

December 5, along with friends, I am attending the Inspirational Speeches night given by my husband’s students. Email me for more information: joymills@verizon.net