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I’ve had ideas for articles for three years and haven’t stopped writing, but my “word well” went dry this week. The horror I saw on television - the senseless slaughter and abuse of innocent men, women, and children through no fault of their own, and the malcontent in the United States took a toll. Perhaps I needed to express my feelings before I could move on.

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Let love be. And I start with one’s heart. War can stop in each of us if we only allow. Accept, forgive Love

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I feel the same way this week. At a loss for my own words. Everything seems rather trite with what's going on around the world. I'm cleaning out my inbox, cutting back on some projects, and quitting my poker dealing job to get back to basics... and staying in the moment while doing so. All the best to you.

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And to you Patti,

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Hi Janice. I've seen others post thoughts about what's going on in our world and they end up in a political battle. I'm grateful that you posted your thoughts here. Thank you.

I worry for my 9 grandchildren and on a larger scale for our world.

My only answer is to continue to try to move the needle toward more kindness.

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Hi Heather, That's all I can think of . .

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There really is no answer or solution. At least, nothing that we, the normal citizens can do.

World atrocities happen because there is a PAYOFF in it for somebody, whether monetary or power. I guess you could say stop voting for those who allow or create this kind of shit. Or boycott, march, whatever it may be. But it never stops.

Against your advice, I do turn off my TV. Head in the sand? Sure, but what good can I do with my head out of the sand? I'm just one jobless Canadian trying to look after my own mess.

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Hi Kristi, Thanks for your response. I really think you should do what works for you.

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Thank you for this thoughtful post Janice . I don’t think we would be human if we weren’t rattled and overcome with distress by the violence and warring in our world . I have reached a deal with myself to look only occasionally at the news., to write privately about my fears and thoughts - and to speak with my closest friends and partner to try to process it all . I was finding myself feeling helpless and unhinged with each newsflash . Seeking posts which promote only peace and steering away from hate filled arguments - it’s all too polarized ! As others have offered - kindness towards others is the only way .. and continuing to promote peaceful resolutions whenever possible . I also make art as it settles my soul when I am unable to make a difference otherwise

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Hi Heather, Art is a tool that I find very helpful. Knowing what I do now, I would love to have been an art therapist.

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No, there is no answer, Janice, is there? It is just revenge after revenge after revenge after revenge. Never ending. Thank you for writing this. Also, your link to the earthquake article takes me to "page not found".

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Thanks for letting me know. It worked on my computer. Let's see if it works this way: https://agingwell.news/publish/post/136441772?back=%2Fpublish%2Fposts%2Fdrafts. It seems so - never ending.

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You're brave to talk about it.

I mentioned it briefly today and only in the context of wanting it to go away because I look at my five year old grandson and I care very much what kind of world we will bestow upon him. This is the little boy who when I asked him what he would give his dad for his birthday, promptly answered 'Love. I give everyone love, Nanny...'

I hate the political and proprietary landgrabs, the phobias, the racism, the cruelty, the righteousness, whilst whole populations die.

I no longer watch or listen to news stories or read news links. It's a tsunami and I need to be in my best most positive state for that little boy so we can hold our heads above the water.

A psychologist once told me - 'Move your goal posts in close.' And so we donate to Red Cross, Medicins Sans Frontiers, Save the Children and so forth. It's all we can do...

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Hi Prue, I like that idea - move your goal post in close. Those are things I can manage.

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It prevents inundation, that's for sure and enables you to concentrate on what really matters.

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Sometimes you have to write what is in your heart ❤️

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Hi Cali, Very true! I finished reading Big Magic. It was excellent and so affirming. I loved Elizabeth's view point and her humor.

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It's a brilliant book. And always worth a re-read

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