My Pearl Harbor was January 27, 2014. It was approximately 9am. I got up, got the kids ready and drove them to school. We were in the middle of a bad winter. It was cold and snow was on the ground. When I got home, I picked up my then-husband's cell phone and discovered texts to and from another woman. That was my bomb, D-Day, and the moment my life came crashing down in a flaming heap of poo. That was the day I was attacked by a foreign nation and outed a traitor in my own home. Another way of putting this--my safe space was violated.
I told that story to write about this one: Trump doesn't scare me. I've watched some of my fellow citizens tear themselves up at the seams and freak out. I've watched other Americans try to justify this. I've watched an elite press so angry that voters would actually elect a narcissist that they stuck their noses up in the air and became even more disdainful of fellow citizens who feel a lack and are willing to believe in a snake oil salesman because nothing else thus far worked for them. I've watched hate and hateful groups unleash their fear as ire on those they considered minorities. I've watched factions in our nation try to grip power. The thing is, it isn't power. It is fear at work. Fear mongers have infected the traditional Left and Right. Corporations, billionaires, and other elite people who control money finally managed to pit Us against Us. Because as citizens, we're in this hell together. While I'm just one voice blowing in the wind here, I'm not scared. Why? Because I've already outed one traitor. I've hit absolute rock bottom. Guess what? I'm still here!!! The thing about my traitor? He moved on to someone else before the ink was dry on the divorce decree. Just like Trump will move on to something better/newer/shinier than the factions that elected him before any one job is created or life improved by the campaign promises he touted in his bid for marginalized votes.
To those who want to provide a safe space for others by wearing a safety pin, I applaud you. This is an excellent idea. I don't think this is going to work. I doubt outward symbols will make a significant difference. When I look back on the dark days of flaming poo, the people in my life who were a "safe space" for me were those who I never expected. They were friends with an already established relationship ready to provide coffee and lend an ear. They were acquaintances who were there in the moment. There were nice strangers who gave me a hug during a particularly ugly crying jag. There were new people who didn't know me, my situation, or any of the other trials that I faced in my life. But they were there in the moment. The point is, I don't think we can predict when we will need or be called upon to help our fellow human. In this case, it it is living with a spiritually open heart and mind. It is the internal knowledge that the Universe/Force/God/Jesus/Zeus will sort it out and put one in the proper place and time to help. Help comes from the expected and the unexpected places in life. I, personally, will not be wearing a safety pin. However, I will return the favor to my fellow humans should someone be in need.
How to wrap this up? By heeding Yoda's words. Fear leads to anger, and anger leads to hate. Keep calm, meditate, and don't give into the fears of others. Once you let go of the fear, the fear mongers can't control you any more. Respect yourselves and respect others because none of us are leaving this world alive.
