Feeling Helpless?

I’ve been missing from my blogs and writing on Substack for a couple of weeks. It might sound funny to you, but all the way in India, I was deeply affected by the results of the US elections. I have family in the US, and sorry to say, many of them have been Team Trump, so that’s not what upset me. I’ve been feeling helpless and devoid of hope.

Why I’ve Been Feeling Helpless?

What upset me was the pattern of vile, trash talking, corrupt, evil men winning elections continues. It’s been happening in India and I was praying that it wouldn’t happen again in the US, but it did. I chose to say men, although they are supported by women too who are happy to let patriarchy win. In the name of religion, Hinduism in India and Christianity in the US, all manner of hell is being let loose on women, minorities, immigrants and others. Attacks on people based on religion, colour, caste, gender and economic status have become passé. Both countries have packed their Supreme Courts with judges who favour these kinds of biases. Both countries are openly supporting the evil that is being perpetuated against the people of Palestine.

The results made me feel helpless and hopeless. I questioned the future of the world. I wondered how so many people will survive this onslaught of evil. What are we teaching the next generation?

And this made me feel small and useless especially as a writer. Yes, I know I matter to the significant people (and dogs) in my life. But beyond that? What difference will my writing make to anyone?

I sat with my feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. I would pop in here from time to time and read the words of the writers I follow – all strong, positive, encouraging people. I tried to stay on my theme for the month – focus on the little things – and joining Sarah E. Westfall – in The Liturgy of The Little Things on Instagram (@corinneblogs). It didn’t help that both José and I fell ill.

You can read the rest of this post on Substack here.