25 Comments
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Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

Community is critical -- we fight better in groups!

In all seriousness, thank you for all you did prior to the election, and for all you're doing now to make sure we all stay connected. You damn right there are things we can do!

Micah van Schalkwyk's avatar

There are those of us looking on in horror from the outside too! 💔 And with heartfelt solidarity with those, like you, who keep a sense of humanity.

On a non-political note, this was a good read while I consider some things in my personal life that I'm powerless over. Oef. 🙏

Nan Tepper's avatar

Hey, Micah. Yes, those personal life things! And when I started letting go of those things?

Life got much better. Oef! xo

Micah van Schalkwyk's avatar

Haha well played! 😉👌😅 X

Nan Tepper's avatar

I'm quite sincere by the way, it's a magnificent way to embrace possibility, and create new openings. xo

Micah van Schalkwyk's avatar

I know you are, but I'm glad for the elaboration. I like the sound of possibilities and openings ✨

Nan Tepper's avatar

Good. Giving up the illusion of control freed up my heart for more things that matter, it relieves an enormous amount of overthinking and is a huge relief to my nervous system. I still ruminate occasionally, but I don't fret and obsess to a point of concern for MY mental health. When I spend more time minding my side of the street, and less time focusing on what is out of my control, creativity and self-esteem flows. It's really quite miraculous. Sending love, Michah! xo

Micah van Schalkwyk's avatar

Much food for thought, and much love back! Appreciate your insights 💙

Ashleyboop(She/her)'s avatar

This is an excellent piece, it absolutely resonated and I feel much the same way you do, basically identical! None of it makes sense! Thank you for writing this and being you! 🫶🏻🥰

Nan Tepper's avatar

Thanks, Ashleyboop! I hear you! xo

Susan Kacvinsky's avatar

This has aged well. I'm glad you called them Proud Boys. Let's call them what they are. Whatever comes next, we go through together.

Nan Tepper's avatar

Thank you, I thought so too, and that it was the Demogorgon's horrible 1 year date, made it all the more apropos. I did some editing, added some stuff, and Proud Boys was because of your influence. It's absolutely accurate. Love you, Susan. I wouldn't want to go through it without you. We all need each other. Happy beyond words that we met. xo

Susan Kacvinsky's avatar

It made me smile to see it.

Nan Tepper's avatar

Good. It was inspired by you and it was used in gratitude for you naming it so clearly. xo

Susan J Tweit's avatar

Amen! Thank you, Nan. xo to you.

Nan Tepper's avatar

Thanks, Susan! Did you see yesterday's post from Wham! Bam!

Big changes. So excited. More changes sometime this week. Maybe this will encourage you to jump in and join us. Let's get a date on our calendars for a visit, too? I know you're busy now, I remember that. I'll DM you. xo

https://www.whambamthankyouslam.com/p/what-we-learned-after-the-first-slam

Meanwhile, Elsewhere's avatar

Beautiful and tough read, reliving those days. But you capture here what many were going through. And now here we are: trying to be alert (to what's going on) but not in a constant state of panic, which doesn't do anyone much good. Doom-scrolling and the anger it can produce is its own addiction, so your message is so important. We start with ourselves, use what we have, do what we can.

Nan Tepper's avatar

Love this comment, Stew. Thank you for reading. We have to create a different world. Start small, do the next right thing, learn, dream big, begin again. Repeat. xo

Ann Hutton's avatar

Your words resonate. We are all in the shite, wondering how it could have possibly gotten worse, and now clinging to whatever hopeful result we can imagine for the future.Time to conjure up some potent magic and act on it.

Nan Tepper's avatar

I'm working on my conjuring skills (a modern-day witch of a different stripe?). xo

Ann Hutton's avatar

Exactly.

Mary Roblyn's avatar

Nan: 1. keep the faith. 2. I know you will. xoxo

Nan Tepper's avatar

I love the faith you have in me, Mary. xo