Hopeless but not alone

What a week, huh? Lemon, it’s… pointless.

Screaming into a pillow

I’ve spent the past few days processing the US election, refreshing the BBC website to see something change and reveal that it was a mistake. That hasn’t happened. What has happened is over 73 million people in the US voted, spoke up for, chose, asked, hoped and delighted in giving Trump the power to hurt the disabled, LGBTQ+ people and minority groups. Madonona said it best;

“Trying to get my head around why a convicted felon, rapist, bigot was chosen to lead our country because he’s good for the economy?”

Since the election, I’ve felt quite hopeless. Society feels broken, and I don’t want to be in it anymore. What’s the point? Fascism is taking over the world, not just a country. We’re living in a loop, with each iteration taking more from us each time, leading to climate collapse. Now, I know I’m catastrophising, and I should challenge negative thoughts with evidence, but look at WTAF just happened!

I’m lost, and I’ve tried to find something to hang on to. First up, if you’re struggling Forbes has some tips on dealing with post-election depression.

There’s a great quote from the sci-fi series The Expanse that I often think about.

“You followed your conscience in the hope that others would follow theirs. You didn’t do it for a reward or a pat on the head. The universe never tells us if we did right or wrong. It’s more important to try and help people and to know that you did. More important that someone else’s life gets better than for you to feel good about yourself. You never know the effect you might have on someone, not really. Maybe one cruel thing you said haunts you forever. Maybe one moment of kindness gives them comfort or courage. Maybe you said the one thing they needed to hear. It doesn’t matter if you ever know. You just have to try.” - Naomi Nagata.

Yeah, it’s just sci-fi and a bit idealistic, but it can’t hurt to try.

Below are a few more things I found around the net while listening to Rage Against the Machine loudly. Stay safe. Take time for yourself. I’m going to continue to share the best of the LGBTQ+ community here in the hope that joy can spread around the internet and combat the bad. If you want to follow the political landscape, I’d recommend Erin in the Morning.