I wouldn't describe myself as stoic or pragmatic, Rosie. I can be calm, relaxed and accepting as long as I am happy with the status quo. Happy Wednesday, Rosie!:)
I can be all of those things, but it depends entirely on what's happening. If we're talking about the unpleasant outcome of an election, I will be accepting up to a point, but I will also be adding my voice to activist campaigns on the most important issues.
This post was edited by Benedict Arnold at November 10, 2016 3:37 AM MST
On December 28, 2007 I was informed by phone that I had Stage 3 uterine cancer.... the double whanmy of both carcinoa/sarcoma. I immediately became stoic. I never had one moment of fear. Not one. I just became very calm and in fact I was the one telling folks not to worry. It would be okay. I was given a 15% chance of surviving 5 years. My last chemo was October 3, 2008! As you can see 8 years later and counting I'm still here. I never cred. I never said "why me?" I just buckled down and became the best cancer patient my oncologist ever had. In fact she asked if she could give my phone number to a couple of her other cancer patients who were devastated and fearful and not doing well at all. She thought I could cheer them up. They never called me. My oncologist/gynecologist/surgeon/GP all told me that I was the poster girl for optimistic/positive/pro-active. I take great pride in that hartfire. I cannot know for sure if my constant positive attitude is what saved me but I know it made the months of baldness/chemo/radiation/discomfort a lot happier. The thing is I can't be stoic about the evil person some Americans elected to be their prez. That surprises me. I am devastated/fearful/angry/ furious/impotent. I cannot explain why when my life was at risk and on the line I handled it so well and why this disgusting turn of events has gotten the best of me. Funny weird I guess. I feel betrayed by fellow Americans. I am very angry at them and cannot believe there are so many of them. I guess reality bit me in the a** and I'm still reacting to it. Thank you for your reply hartfire! :)
Dear Rosie, I suspect that it is partly due to your faith. You may not be religious in the churchy sense and you may doubt the dogmas, but your faith in the existence of God and his basic goodness is rock solid. Along with that, you have always demonstrated (with your questions) that you care tremendously about the welfare of people and animals around you. Perhaps even more than you care for your own welfare. I commiserate with you on the suffering that will no doubt be experienced by many Americans on the brunt end of Trump's policies. We shall have to hope that the other US institutions designed to be checks and balances on the government, such as the courts, will be able to moderate some of the legislation Trump gets passed.
Here I am being very cheeky offering advice -- so I seriously hope you don't mind: the following help me to ward off depression about the state of the world... because they give me a feeling that at least I and others are trying to do something to make a difference. Maybe have a look at Avaaz and Change.org. They are on-line activist groups who work for a wide range of classically liberal and environmental causes. You can sign petitions, you can donate -- you can even start your own campaign with support from them. I think part of your need is to know that others have a chance to be OK -- so maybe, if you're not already doing it, a day or half-day per week of voluntary work in the community might help.
This post was edited by Benedict Arnold at November 10, 2016 1:05 PM MST
I didn't forget it sweetie. It never occurred to me. Frugal is good. I can be quite frugal. I can also be unfrugally extravagant but that usually pertains to buying food! Stingy is not too hot. You aren't stingy are you? Thank you for your reply ele! :(
Bez 