Lots of feelings here.
I’m frustrated. Frustrated by conspiracy theories. Frustrated by lies. Frustrated by social media funneling people into extreme communities.
I’m sad. Sad so many are susceptible to misinformation due to isolation and anger.
I’m frightened. Frightened the silence of many can make the voices of few deafening. Frightened by people who are filled with hate.
I’m disgusted. Disgusted by violence. Disgusted by choosing a side over choosing truth. Disgusted by the misuse of religion.
I’m angry.
And anger is a dangerous emotion.
I’m cognizant of my responsibility in not only what I say, how I act, and what I write, but also in what I fail to say, what I fail to do, and what I fail to write.
I’m aware my inactions are as significant as my actions.
A wise friend of mine recently posted, “Just like in real life, I have a choice as to who I want to be friends with.” She asked for those who chose to be part of online communities propagating racism and bigotry to unfriend her.
What communities am I part of? Who am I surrounding myself with? People who share my opinions? Or people who share my values?
Am I willing to analyze my current perceptions, opinions, ideas, beliefs, and attitudes?
Am I willing learn? Am I willing to understand? Am I willing to change what needs to be changed?
Can I pursue truth and love at the same time?
If I want to be part of the solution, I need to.
What I’m Reading
First Bite How we learn to eat
by Bee Wilson
Not the best diet/nutrition book I’ve read. Not the worst. I’m not really feeling the “Be brave. Drop the diet. Make peace. If any book…” endorsement on the front cover, as my takeaways were different. Bee Wilson is a food writer, not a dietitian, so while I appreciate her observations, I would not take her words as medical advice. The book did provide food for thought (of course I had to say that), but nothing really blew me away. And there was information I didn’t buy into. Do I recommend reading the book? Sure. If this is a topic of personal interest. Some chapters were intriguing (“Brothers and Sisters” and “Disorder”), but others did not hold my attention and it took a lot of effort to get through them. If you can find it at the library, go ahead and check it out.
Something to Eat
by Six Vegan Sisters
I can’t take credit for this cake, as I’ve never made it, but I have eaten it numerous times. This has become my youngest daughter’s signature cake, and for good reason. Best chocolate cake ever. EVER. Really. It’s moist. It’s chocolatey. And can we just talk about the frosting? Heavenly. But, the best part is the cookie dough she adds between the top and bottom layers. (This is not part of the recipe, but can be found here. She just rolls it out into a circle and walah…you now have a fancy cake to impress others.)
Something to Ponder
Throughout history, it has been the inaction of those who could have acted, the indifference of those who should have known better, the silence of the voice of justice when it mattered most, that has made it possible for evil to triumph.
Haile Selassie
I hope you are all doing well. I hope you are not just surviving, but thriving. I hope you are finding ways to deal with all the world has been throwing at you this past week. And as always, I am anxious to hear your thoughts this week. Take care, my friends.
Karen Hovie Writes 