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Sue Sutherland-Wood's avatar

A thoughtful post, indeed. And, since you ask, we're having the usual up and down week here in Canada, but today I felt a shift when I woke up - I think it was either rage or indignation but

whatever it is, it's exhausting. Much like yourself, I'm making banana muffins - with a crumble topping - taking the terrier out, planning my garden projects and trying not to despair.

But I can't wait forever to start living properly again, especially at 65!

(What's the Latin for "Don't let the bastards get you down?" That!!) xo

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Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

Sue, thank you for responding with a potent message. I don't know if you remember Nightbirdie (Jane Marczewski). Cancer cut her sweet life short, but when she performed on America's Got Talent, she had a similarly powerful thought to share: "You can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore before you decide to be happy.”

I had to look up the Latin translation for your last quote. There are real versions and mock aphorisms. Both are worth remembering. Thanks for checking in today.

Scroll to the end of this post for a lovely version of one of Jane's songs, if you're not familiar.

https://elizabethbeggins.substack.com/p/fear-of-falling

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Sue Sutherland-Wood's avatar

I was not familiar - thanks for this, Elizabeth.

Really hoping for a respite amidst all the doom, soon.

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Jill CampbellMason's avatar

I am beginning once again with you, a little older, definitely no wiser, but with a few years (I'm 77) more experience ,probably, than you. So many infinite beginnings and always in the midst. of life.

So glad I didn't wake up dead this morning!

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Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

Jill, your last line made me laugh out loud! What a perfect reality check. Yes, you are a bit older and most certainly wiser. I can tell by the way you're able to smile at the life that continues to unfold. Thanks so much for chiming in here today.

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Jill CampbellMason's avatar

Great

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Mary Pierce's avatar

Thanks for this today Elizabeth. Just doing the next right thing. This is all that life asks of me. 😌

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Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

Thank you for commenting, Mary, and for the restack. For me, sometimes, it's hard to discern the next right thing which is how I came to the place of never allowing myself to stop trying. I might not get it right all the time, but my odds are much higher than if I stop altogether.

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Beth T (BethOfAus)'s avatar

Sending hugs from afar. A good read. 🤗🤗

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Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

Taking them in, and sharing them back to you, Beth! Thank you.

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Susan Wiest's avatar

Yes, mindfully trying to keep living and appreciating what I hold dear in my life

For example my grandsons love to cry “shotgun” when we go anywhere

All the little daily joys to hold on to in this challenging time

Keep writing !

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Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

I love that so much, Susan! My kiddos used to do the same, and the one who didn't get to ride up front was subsequently disgruntled! I think appreciating what we have and hold dear is among the very best of the practices we can keep. It's great to see you here. Thanks for making the time.

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Barry P Osborne's avatar

You lead us through some mighty entangled places Betsy... For my retired mind it's very difficult to even express all the confusion that encircles my everyday... I'm just gonna simply say I'm struggling like everyone else to understand the "why" of everything

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Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

Oh, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive!

I don't think there is an understandable why, Barry, certainly not one that makes sense to a giving heart like yours..or makes sense right now. I'm glad to have support among friends like you! Thanks for the check in.

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prue batten's avatar

I took a message away from your post, Elizabeth and it was that it's easy for anyone to be an armchair activist. Just click like and move on.

But as an activist on and off in my life, let me say social media was just one of the ways we protested. Essentially, we put many boots on the ground, boats in the water and made our displeasure known to the politicians.

I think if people want things to change, then cooking cakes and muffins is mere respite, like a warm bath and a good movie, but true rebellion has to be an active, dare I say physical effort.

I agree that we need to take time out, time to tune into Earth and Sea and Sky, to our family pets, in fact to all sentient beings. But sadly, if we want to protect our legacies, we have to do whatever it takes.

I realise its easy for me to say this, living at the bottom of the world as I do. But there's still a planet that I love and after my breather, I shall do whatever I can to make sure my 6 year old grandson has a future .

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Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

I appreciate everything here, Prue, and you by association! You've articulated more thoroughly some of what was in my head when I first wrote Riding Shotgun. I've had conversations with colleagues in recent weeks about how "taking care of ourselves" can seem to be another way of framing inaction. Sometimes it's absolutely necessary, and I would not want to imply that there's anything inherently wrong with that. Our bodies really do break down when subjected to non-stop stress, anger, and sadness. But there is a difference between stepping away as needed to regroup and using it as an excuse to step out completely. Maybe my "doing what it takes" looks different than someone else's, but in my mind, the keyword is *doing.* Thanks for putting a finer point on that, and for being here in your usual supportive, spunky fashion.

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prue batten's avatar

I was so worried that it came across in the wrong way, given that I spruik retreat so often. But that retreat, as you have said, is essential. I can tell when I'm stressed - I ache more, I get a sinus infection and pimples and worse. So there's a balance and my lifelong journey is to find that balance AND make a difference.

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Amy Cowen's avatar

I love that photo of the house and window.

Isn’t it odd that three years ago, things would have been such to evoke feelings and words that seem also apt now? I would never have guessed, reading through, that this wasn’t written for today. I was fascinated then to see the note on it being from three years ago. (I guess it’s also hard to realize that the war has been going on for three years.) Compartmentalization. The quandary of how to be a good ally when you either aren’t directly targeted or have means to mitigate that. The Minecraft world. Lots of good things to think about here, Elizabeth.

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Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

Three years is unfathomable, and yet I sometimes consider how little I understand. I don't know what it's like to be in Ukraine, Gaza, or any of the many, many other places in the world where people do not have the same relative safety most of us alive today in the U.S. have had. I have no concept of what it means to take care of yourself in those circumstances. In your comment, this line stands out for me: "The quandary of how to be a good ally when you either aren’t directly targeted or have means to mitigate that." The awareness that, despite the instinct in some of us to act on national issues, we don't always have a way to effectively influence change. In those instances, it might be better for us to redirect our energies. So, for example, if I'm distraught by how funding cuts might harm different groups across the country, I could volunteer with or send financial support to a local group trying to make a difference in my community.

It's complicated. I'm grateful to be among so many people who are willing to look at stuff from different angles. Thanks for being one of them, Amy.

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Mansi's avatar

It’s cyclical isn’t it … grief, sadness, pain, wars, all of the earth’s sufferings, births and deaths and all the in-betweens. Life goes on, as they say, with or without you then why even bother? But if we don’t bother then what’s the point? If we don’t feel, do, be, become, then why are we even here? I continue to share handmade tokens of kindness with strangers not knowing if we are different because I see that we are more alike than not. I continue spreading smiles because it makes my corner of the world feel a little kinder. I continue to practice empathy — starting right here at home — because if we can’t be kind to those we love, we might as well pack our bags and call it a day. Basic human decency has been at stake for a while … it’ll be interesting to see how it all explodes, or implodes.

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Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

Love, love, love this Mansi! Your tokens of kindness are incredible, and I continue to admire how you've chosen that path as your personal form of activism. That's not to say you're not engaged in other ways. But you have created a tangible way to use your gifts for good, making a difference in so many lives in the process. I use the word "created" intentionally. You didn't just "find" it. You went looking for it, and you continue to put effort into it. To me, that's the point!

Thank you for that work, for sharing this post, and for adding to the conversation. I'm so glad to see you here.

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Susan Baker's avatar

Small rebellions. Stepping forward. Standing together. Speaking up. Resilience. Community.I dive deep for the Pearl as Rumi writes but float for rest as needed.

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Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

Perfect, Susan! I am amazed by you and others, and by how many of us there are, collectively caring about these important issues. So appreciate you being here.

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Rita Ott Ramstad's avatar

Like others, I was surprised to read that this was written three years ago, but then I am reminded that so many things were not good then, either. Perhaps it was just easier for many of us to pretend or hope they were. I relate very much to your opening sentences. I've found it hard to keep putting words out into the world of late. Mine often feel inadequate for the moment we are in. But then I do, and readers tell me that they matter to them, and I keep going. I'm glad you do, too, as yours matter to me. I'm looking forward to the ones you first intended to share today (yesterday, I guess), once you get them to fit more comfortably. (Oh, I can relate to that, too!)

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Don Boivin's avatar

"How do you begin? You commit to doing something real. A word. An action. You take one step, then you take another."

Just what I wrote in a Note this morning. Right on, Elizabeth! 🙏💚

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Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

I saw that note a bit ago. Isn't it awesome to know that people all over the world are rowing in the same direction?! Thanks for sharing here, and out there, Don. Much appreciated!

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Eileen Dougharty's avatar

“You commit to doing something real”. YES. This resonates with me. Being mindful is key.

What a wonderful post. I’m down with RSV (one star ⭐️ experience—do not recommend) and am up all night coughing. This was a perfect slice of hopeful healing. ❤️

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Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

Eileen, I didn't want to "like" this, because RSV. Aaaauuuugh! Super sorry you're dealing with that, my friend and hope you feel marked improvement soon. Thank you for expending even a small share of your precious energy here. Hugs!

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Janice Anne Wheeler's avatar

Elizabeth, it is hard to write what emanates but you always manage it. I've started three posts this week and they all keep veering toward political...without the intention...as the inhumanity of it all permeates damn near everything.

Thanks for the community building words. J

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Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

Permeates is right. And we are permeable! I do think intention is important, as is a willingness to look for where we feel most connected. Because I think that is what drives long-term engagement and keeps us motivated to stay in the fight. Does that make sense?

I'm sure whatever you share will be what you need to share, and what someone needs to read. Thanks for contributing here!

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