We Must Vote Every Day

“I suspect historians will find fault with many and virtue with few when they look back at this election. But let us not descend into cynicism. The future of this country is indeed at stake. But even with the vote on November 8, the chapters of our American story will be written in ink not yet dry. Our destiny will depend on how we act going forward. Will we buy into the "nevermind" crowd, or will we resolve, together, to demand better of our elected officials, our press, and ourselves?” - Dan Rather

James Tracy writes, WE VOTE EVERY DAY

the most important choices
we make
are on the days between elections
picketlines walked
homes unevicted
communities mobilized
cynicism conquered
empires deleted
meanings for once
not lost in translation
kindness given
love made
to that extent you know
we all vote every day

The election over. President-elect decided. Support needed for our America.

Let your frustrations out and get over it. Put the name-calling and anger aside. 

How can we make Americans Grateful again? What does it take to see what works, not just what's broken? Reconsider what others nudge with negativity. 

Rather than whine about the election result, find three areas of America to research.  Decide how you would like to assist with ideas and support. Write letters to your representatives. Use of blue sky thinking put a man on the moon. 

We must vote every day!  Share our Love and Kindness.

It's time to consider our legacy and possibilities. This begins with self-respect that moves into responsibility and respect for others' views and beliefs.

Brighten the mosaic of America. Make a plan to become active in your areas of choice. Demand better of everyone, as Dan Rather says. Reach out to others to assist with additional inspiration.

Get creative to solve issues. It is time to take personal action in small ways.

Make solutions a reason to shout. Begin in dialogue with friends or family members.

Let's go America.  Make us Grateful again!

We must vote every day!

Write into Unfinished Efforts

‎"... readers of creative nonfiction are not so much interested in your life, but what you think of your life, the steps you have taken to understand it. It is what makes a book memorable; it is what sticks." 

-Ira Sukrungruang

Life story writing delves into a composite of strengths and struggles. It takes insight and courage to confront mistakes and failings with permission to let them trickle onto the page. Self-understanding results from acknowledging areas of vulnerability. 

It is not possible to provide a patchwork of self without gathering unpleasant choices to write about. Missteps lead to the joy of dance.

Everyone suffers from what Thomas Merton calls the "trembling self." Individuals are not always heroic and right.  Delving into troubling notions begins the eternal search for "how am I" in addition to the "who."

Write to discover ways beyond taking revenge, taking sides or sharing war stories. Artifacts of courage include unfinished efforts.

Consider your unfinished efforts.  Write into, around and through an issue that causes a "trembling self." 

Take notice of how you get in the way of your self-discoveries in this situation. 

Write from another perspective you do not agree with. Make notes of insights that result.

Travel Inside

It may be that when we no longer know what to do

we have come to our real work

and that when we no longer know which way to go

we have begun our real journey.  

- Wendell Berry

 ". . . wanderer, there is no path, the path is made by walking. By walking one makes the road, and upon glancing behind one sees the path that never will be trod again."

- Antonio Machado

Metaphorical thinking helps the writer connect to the secrets and mysteries inside. If one decides to experience what lurks behind the door or deep inside one's own cavern, self-knowledge awaits. 

Robert Frost felt, "poetry takes you to a place you have been and thought you'd never return to."

Return to the darkness. Bring a lantern for revitalization. Illuminate sensitivities.  

Travel inside and take on the night!