January 27, 2026

It’s been awhile; life does that. And sorry to those of you expecting the hilarious Widow. Not today. I have recently come to terms with things in my life that have either just happened through no fault of mine or a specific decision on my part. I am also feeling a sort of “sensory overload” as if my brain is being assaulted by the “noise.” The noise is really beginning to weigh on me on so many levels. I am fighting a feeling of overwhelming helplessness and borderline depression. I am determined to not let it envelop me. I am also angry; or maybe it’s better described as frustrated about a lot of things. Without trying to be imperious, I have a real problem lately with the abundance of “stuff,” both serious and superficial. It’s a waste of my mental bandwidth, just a weight that is becoming more troublesome and problematic for my mental health.

I never publicly share my political views or demonize those of the “opposing” side. The reason is simple. It is a waste of time and by jumping into the fray on social media, I am adding to the noise. No minds are miraculously changed, and I am contributing to the vitriol. The acrimony constantly spewing forth is beyond the pale. The hatefulness is frightening. It makes me wonder if we as human beings can ever reach a point where we can work together rather than using verbal attacks, mindless memes, a constantly incendiary tone — and violence. Posting topics designed to get a rise out of people, only serves to raise the anger quotient. No one TALKS anymore. It’s all about tearing down the “enemy.” Funny thing is, that so-called enemy is often someone you know, family members, neighbors, co-workers. I know people who have essentially cut off friends and family members because they don’t like their viewpoints. This makes me sad. We are all good people who just happen to disagree. Discounting the other side’s view is just so counterproductive. In this current environment of protest, reacting to tragic deaths, sometimes cheering at the announcement of the murder, yes murder, of someone holding opposite views leaves me bemoaning when we were a kinder and gentler world. It also makes me question what has happened to our society. Have we become so numb to violence and hatred that it’s OK to shout with joy when it’s someone you dislike? Do we somehow rationalize the violence and destruction, particularly if it’s in the name of a position or ideology we support? I am beginning to understand why my stomach is in knots most of the time.

I ask, albeit naively, why can’t we all take a breath, practice mindfulness, and STOP it? Just STOP it. Name calling doesn’t work. Screaming and shouting others down doesn’t work. Physical damage to property doesn’t work. Being unwilling to listen with an open heart and mind doesn’t work. Our world is in trouble; I fear for my grandchildren. The adage “life is too short” is not just something to embroider on a pillow. It says a lot in those four words. It recognizes how quickly time passes, because life itself is a precious resource. We need to work together to achieve a better world, while pursuing our own goals which could evolve into benefiting others. Relationships are key. Adversarial relationships are not necessarily a bad thing if we learn from one another. I am approaching the remaining years of my life, and it is crystal clear to me that I have wasted time along the way. I will regret that, but I can’t change it. All I can do is strive for my best moving forward by being kind and respectful to all people regardless of their beliefs.

You may be familiar with the Buddhist monks from Texas who embarked on a 2300 mile walk to Washington, D.C. called “The Walk for Peace.” Their goal is to reach the Nation’s Capital sometime in February. They will offer their message of compassion, national unity, and nonviolence to Congress. These humble men were in my city a few days ago and the air of reverence around them was palpable. Hundreds of people gathered in frigid cold to see them and yet you could hear a pin drop. The monks engender respect and hope by their gentle demeanors. Their Walk for Peace affected all who witnessed their arrival either in person or on television. They were simply captivating. I think this gave us a sense of hope that maybe, just maybe, they might foment a positive change in our country’s current mood. Their slow pace, quiet melodic chanting, giving peace bracelets to the most vulnerable, and offering blessings and smiles along the way was a spectacle of simplicity and strength. Some monks walked barefoot in the arctic cold, illustrating their humility and sacrifice for their fellow humans. I am forever changed. https://abc11.com/videoClip/18454996/

As I continue to be saddened by what is happening in our country and world today, the violence, unfairness, dishonesty, and crimes against the most vulnerable, I can only remain hopeful and a bit of a Pollyanna that this state of affairs MUST improve and people will think before they speak, stop before they act, and engage rather than enrage. It’s our only hope. God Bless America and God Bless Us All.