Transitions

tanjabrittonwriter 87 Comments

In the spirit of full disclosure, I suggest you don’t read on unless you are prepared for a negative post. I try to maintain a positive attitude, but sometimes it’s impossible. This is one of these periods.

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Life is full of transitions. Some are welcome; many are not.

It’s an in-between time. Perhaps the most in-between time ever. Globally and personally.

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In-between continents and countries.

In-between years.

In-between seasons.

In-between special celebrations. That ought to bring joy but are overshadowed by global events.

In-between satisfactory health and encroaching decrepitude.

In-between contentment and depression.

In-between being someone’s daughter and becoming parentless.

In-between democracy and autocracy. Not an inching, but a tumbling to the right

—nay, the wrong—side,

all across the globe.

In-between decency and a complete loss of civility.

In-between reasonableness and inanity.

In-between levelheadedness and megalomania.

In-between hope and fear. Mounting fear.

In-between a balanced world and one out of kilter.

A world whose privileged continue to prize the wealth of a few over the wellbeing of the many; the health of the economy over ecologic health without which there can be no true health.

We are nothing but momentary travelers on a precious and priceless planet.

The peace and positivity most of us mere mortals pine for persistently, perpetually, and perennially seem more elusive than ever as our (chosen) leaders have other priorities.

As we prepare to cross the threshold to another year, I once again despair of the discrepancy between the good individuals want to and are able to achieve, and the apparent collective inability of humanity to do what’s right.

I know I’m not alone in feeling this way.

Dear fellow blogger: If you manage to live with this tension without becoming despondent, I would love to learn how.

87 thoughts on “Transitions”

  2. Sending hugs. It’s definitely difficult to approach the new year with the same excitement and hope as in past years. Let’s hope small moments of positivity can find their way through the madness and keep us going.

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  3. We’ve known for a number of years that the USA is loaded with people who are happy to deny freedoms and rights to others. The far-right policies of many states are proof of that. Trump, of course, has made things much worse. It’s all pretty depressing. But it’s important for ethical, forward-thinking people to continue putting up the good fight.

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  5. We’re definitely living in challenging (to say the least) times. I’ve always wondered how societies lapsed into autocracies, how could reasonable folk allow it to happen? Well, I now have a much better understanding about the process–it gives me zero pleasure to say that.

    Like you, I’m have difficulty maintaining a positive attitude, but I think we have to find beauty and solace where we can, through loved ones, nature, beautiful literature and poetry–anything that reminds us that these things are worth standing up for, fighting for. I wish humans could learn from others’ history, but we seemed doomed to repeat and repeat.

    Wishing you strength and peace in this time and beyond, dear Tanja.

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    • Thank you for your thoughts and good wishes, Tina.

      As someone who grew up with the weight of Nazism in my birth nation’s past, I’m very weary of present-day parallels to the events that led to its rise. And as someone who once hoped we could learn from our past and do better in the future, I’m shattered by our realities.

      I share your suggestions for antidotes to despair but, at times, still have trouble translating theory into practice.

      I’m also returning your good wishes for the end of the old and the beginning of the new year.

      Warmly,

      Tanja

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      • I didn’t address your obvious personal issue of aging parent(s). That’s a tough one and painful. It is part of our circle though, and during this tender time, remember your (and their love). It’s really all you can do.

        I’ve wondered what Germans think of our situation. Honestly, I never thought this was possible here, but I realize now that it’s possible any and everywhere.

        My husband grew up Jewish (I’m a Jew by Choice, converted when I was in my 20s). His family lost people in Holocaust, and we’ve always assume America was a safe place. I now know it isn’t–for a lot of very vulnerable people.

        Funnily enough, my son will most likely settle somewhere in Europe and I’d be very comfortable with him living in Germany. Except for the winters. 🙂

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      • Thank you for your additional thoughts, Tina.

        We are in Germany right now, and most of our friends and family cannot believe what’s happening in the US.

        But Germany also has a far-right party and it has been gathering speed and garnered about 20% of the national vote in the last elections. Incidentally, Elon Musk encouraged more Germans to vote for them. Just imagine. It’s making me sick.

        Many other European voters are making similar choices. It’s very disheartening.

        I hope your son would indeed have a good life in Europe. And I can attest your comment about winter. Spoiled by Colorado’s many sunny days, we are struggling with stretches of gray, overcast, foggy, or rainy days.

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  6. Tanja, How beautifully you expressed this. It’s very moving, raw, real. I will probably share it with some friends if I may. Yes, what a precarious time we are living through.

    I have no answers, and perhaps no one does. I’m not a stranger to despondency. But I often come to some kind of underlying deep settled-ness with the meditation teacher I sit with. What you have done so well here is what is suggested: really allowing the fullness of your expression, of what you are feeling, of not repressing anything. So that all the energy can flow naturally, like streams down a mountain. That this process allows a kind of ecological healing in ourselves whereby the life force itself is more noticeable. That we are that great mysterious aliveness. And I find this very grounding and freeing. Not in a pollyanna way. More like a gritty eyes-wide-open way. I only share this in case you were asking a real question, of what any of us find helpful during these very challenging times. If interested, Jon Bernie is the meditation teacher (former Zen monk; he works on a deeply intuitive and energetic level). I also like Adyashanti and his wife Mukti.

    Thanks again for this exquisitely expressed poem. The artwork really compliments it. Is it your artwork? -lisa

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    • Dear Lisa,

      Thank you so much for your kind and caring comment and for your thoughtful suggestions.

      Yes, I was hoping for concrete examples of how others manage today’s depressing realities and I appreciate you sharing your personal experiences. Deep-settledness is a state that sounds appealing, definitely better than constant turmoil. 😊

      Thank you also mentioning your meditation teachers, I will try to check them out. I’m not good at meditating but I have another friend who has introduced me to it and encouraged me to practice it.

      PS: I’m not an artist, but I did take the photographs that I included in the post.

      Thanks again, Lisa!

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  7. You are not alone. Still gutted by the 2024 election and unfortunately can’t offer any words of comfort or wisdom. I am trying to buck up and carry on and have been only partially successful at doing so. I have lost all enthusiasm for blogging, which pains me as it is such a wonderful community. Wish I could be more cheery. Art, nature, family, and friends are my consolations.

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    • Thank you for commiserating, Laurie. I was thinking of you while I wrote down some of my thoughts.

      I also believe in some of your consolations, at least in theory. Not being able to enjoy them as much as usual has added to my depression.

      Best wishes for the end of the old and beginning of the new year for you and your loved ones.

      Tanja

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  9. Indeed the coming year seems to be fraught with danger and stupidity. A deadly combination…
    How can we “deal” with it? No idea.
    Hang on to tiny things maybe? The joy and laughter of little kids, with a back fear for their future… Trying not to think much about that…
    For me it is also writing. Either about very different topics. Writing can be like a good book, an escape into another universe.
    Or writing about the issues that face us…
    Not easy. But all we can do right now is take one step after the other… And keep our fingers crossed.
    Best wishes for a happy New Year 2025.
    🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻

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    • Thank you for your comment, Brian. I guess we need to make a conscious decision to “always look on the bright side of life.” 😊

      Writing has always been an outlet for me as well but it’s been a challenge to silence all the negative chatter in my head to find my happy writing space. I hope I can find back to it.

      I return your good wishes for 2025.

      Best,

      Tanja

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  10. Liebe Tanja.
    Ich bin schon alt.
    Ich hoffe einfach, dass sich alles zum Guten wendet und dieser Albtraum rechtzeitig endet.
    Um einigermaßen zufrieden die letzten Jahre meines Lebens verbringen zu können gehe ich raus in die Natur und ich kümmere mich um meinen kleinen Hund.
    Ich freue mich über meine Kinder und Freunde und versuche einfach nur positiv zu denken.
    Die Erde wird sich weiter drehen und sich von allen Parasiten befreien.
    Sei gegrüßt von den Bees ☀️☀️☀️

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  11. Hi Tanja, yes, I just read your piece, and I can tell you’re feeling it deeply. So many of us are. The coming year certainly leaves me feeling pensive – a little bit like this cartoon: https://bsky.app/search?q=cartoon+2025

    I think like others have said here, it’s important to embrace the things that give us light, and to work on our personal resilience – meditation, mindfulness, yoga, all those things, but also doing artwork, journaling, and sharing through blogging. It’s a form of resistance. Be kind, be compassionate, value nature in all the places where it’s hanging on, focus your own beautiful values on your locality, your community.

    I follow Vlad Vexler on YouTube. He comments with great wisdom and a refreshingly gentle perspective on European and American affairs, in spite of being severely debilitated himself by ME.

    https://www.youtube.com/vladvexler

    My very best wishes, and I look forward to reading more from you in 2025.

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    • Dear Michael,
      I appreciate your thoughtful and caring comment as well as your suggestions.

      I will definitely check out Vlad Vexler. Your link to the cartoon doesn’t show a single one but many, but I suspect most share a similar message.

      It’s heartening to know that there are many of us who are share our weltschmerz and who want to make this a better world for everybody. I only hope we won’t be swept away by what seems a tsunami of wickedness.

      I’m warmly returning your good wishes and thoughts for 2025.

      Tanja

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  12. I think your post is genuine. I have found that reading a lot keeps me objective and ready to understand other issues involved. I cannot emphasize more the need to stay informed particularly now with ‘superpower countries’ urging to expand.
    One of the problems I still see is that the USA continues to call itself “America”. ‘America’ is NOT the USA. ‘America’ is North America (which includes Central America and Canada) AND South America.
    Amerigo Vespucci first arrived in South America on his first documented voyage in 1499, thus naming the continent ‘America’, referring to South America as the ‘New World’.
    The USA “adopted” the term, because in reality, ‘America’ is the whole region of the New World, NOT USA. It is very important to know this difference, because plants and animals that are native to the USA, may also be native to Central America, Canada, or the Caribbean, as well as other regions that comprise ‘North America’.

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    • Thank you for your comment, Maria. Of course, America encompasses many more countries and cultures than the US. It would be so much better for everybody involved if we acknowledged and honored all different cultures, rather than claiming that one is superior to all others.
      All my warning bells are set off if one person or one organization or one country claims to be better than all the rest. It’s no way to promote understanding and collaboration.

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  13. Poetry, music, cats and laughter wherever you can find it especially if it is caused by yourself! Sometimes you have to hide away a little to be sane and keep your self safe . Spring will come and there are lots of good people still in the world. “All will be well and all manner of things will be well.”

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    • Thank you for adding your perspective, Cathy. I’m good at hiding away and avoiding the news, especially lately. I simply can’t take it. But I need to learn to appreciate and enjoy all the good things that life still has to offer.

      Best wishes,

      Tanja

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  14. Thought-provoking post, Tanja. I feel your angst! For my own sanity and well-being, I’ve had to separate what it within my control and what is not. People are born, live and die, and no one gets a waiver at the end! It is up to each one of us to live our lives according the guidance of our hearts.

    I’ve had to accept that in a democracy, who I vote for doesn’t always win the majority. There will always be someone that is on the losing team. I try to look forward to the next game with hope that my team wins. After all, politics really is just another (nasty) game on both sides and I really don’t approve of the pandering and lies that both parties are guilty of. There used to be some attempt at decency, but we’ve lost ground since the Greatest Generation (I’m sure they are rolling over in their graves!).

    I’ve spent a lifetime considering the environment and the actions I take, but again, the majority overrules. I can only take responsibility for my actions and cannot control the path of others.

    In the overview, I sometimes look at the history of humans and realize this current story is not new. There is something in the DNA of men that leads them to commit the same acts over and over. War, greed and avarice seem so deeply rooted, I despair a shift will ever come.

    The best I can do is live my life on purpose, see the beauty and perfection of nature by spiritually connecting daily, and have faith in its keeping the balance. There is no judgment, only the weight and balance of a pendulum that keeps universal time. We are all subject to this law without exception and I trust the wisdom of its way.

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    • Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and suggestions, Eliza. All are profound and profoundly true, and I know in my heart the importance of accepting that some (many) things are way beyond my control.

      I actually believe in the serenity prayer yet I have trouble translating that knowledge into my life. I need to keep trying!

      Thanks again and best wishes,

      Tanja

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  16. A cry of despair and yet… this is such a very beautiful post, Tanja. Very heartfelt. I’m sad to hear that on top of everything else you’re also parentless, and I really feel for you. To be able to voice despair in such detail and depth is surely a very constructive beginning which allows us to draw back from the abyss and consider the way ahead. In doing this, you’ve done us a great service and I’m grateful for your contribution. For now I’m just going to sit with this, with what you’ve written. If I find I have something to offer by way of response, I’ll share it via my blog. Thank you, dear Tanja.

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    • Thank you for your kind comment, dear Liz. I really appreciate your thoughts and support.

      Just to clarify–I’m not parentless yet, thank goodness, but it’s another “in-between” situation that I find very challenging because it’s inevitable and it makes me very sad. The fact that my Dad lives by himself in Germany and I only get to see him for a month or two each year.

      Best wishes to you and Nigel,

      Tanja

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  17. Well said, Tanja.

    I fall into despair and sometimes even depression at global events, the rising global warming (as well as global warning that humans ignore) and the stupidity of many folk across the world to recognise the danger planet earth and its inhabitants are falling into.

    Burying one’s head in the sand is not strong enough nowadays.

    $%&@ idiots is also too weak a word.

    From my diary some 26 years ago…..”Each night I go to bed in hope that tomorrow will be a better day and each day I wake up to the same ol’ same ‘ol situation.” It used to refer to my continuing health decline. No matter how many days/weeks/months & years I work hard at improving it, I am losing the battle in the last 6 years or so. Some days, my nightmare of the day before just repeats itself like Groundhog Day. Part of it is in the genes which I inherited from both sides of the family. Part is some sort of childhood frailty which was not diagnosed or given a prognosis and treatment.

    Now, each night I go to bed in hope that some of the foolish, simplistic, greedy (and non-greedy) heads of state and country wake up and make a genuine and sustainable improvement in their country’s economy and interaction with its neighbours and those across the seas.

    I hope that the underdog and starving will find improvement and food on the table. I hope that the suffering of many will become the suffering of few.

    “Be kind, be compassionate, value nature in all the places where it’s hanging on, focus your own beautiful values on your locality, your community” expressed by Michael (above) resonates with me and yet I can’t help feeling a sense of doom as we head into 2025.

    “Treat others as you would like to be treated” is a phrase I hang on to in the hope it magically spreads like a viral YouTube.

    I try to remember that everyone on both sides of internal conflict and external war is somebody’s Mother, someone’s Father, brother, sister or loved member of the extended family. No one deserves to die in the horrendous way that many are experiencing in modern times.

    “Stop the world turning. I want to get off this nightmare of daily increasing negativity.”

    I can only hope that we positive, lovers of nature and the environment, will some day reign supreme and the world will be a better place.

    But when is the wake-up call answered with a true voice and change?

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    • Thank you for sharing your thoughts and insights, Vicki.

      I can relate to everything you have expressed in your comment.

      Experiencing poor health is one of the most depressing realities we humans have to face. It feels like a complete loss of control, especially if one tries to lead a healthy lifestyle.

      A better world and a better life for more (if not most) people is completely within reach, which makes the actual reality so many people live in even more depressing. We merely lack the political will.

      I also keep hoping that we will wake up one day and humanity will finally have realized its potential to do good (but I’m not holding my breath).

      I’m sending you warm and healing thoughts.

      Tanja

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  18. I share you pain, Tanja, in more ways than you probably imagine. Bad stuff is happening everywhere right now, and those of us with even a shred of insight fear that things can only get worse after 20 January. Despair stalks the land, and haunts me too, I take refuge in the Buddhist mantra that “all things must pass”. Nothing is forever. The sun WILL rise again tomorrow.

    Take care, my dear friend, and stay strong. You have lots of friends out here who are behind you, ready to support you when the journey seems unbearably hard.

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    • Thank you so much for your kind and caring comment, dear Mr. P.

      It’s comforting to know that people dear to us care and commiserate and that there are many of us who yearn for a better world. And it’s good to be reminded of some truths that are bigger than the petty and ugly that is represented by autocrats and megalomaniacs everywhere. But it remains a crushing fact that they are the powerful ones who wreak havoc on the rest of us.

      I sincerely appreciate your support and I’m sending you and Mrs. P the warmest wishes for a healthy new year. May our worst fears not come true.

      Tanja ❤

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  19. We all become despondent at times, and the always happy Pollyanna was fictional. But roughly 50 years ago, a rheumatologist told Alie “Be a Pollyanna even when if you are not one naturally; Be a Pollyanna if you have to fake it; Your RA will not be cured, but it will respond to your attitude.” She is naturally happy, but I had to “fake it” for a long time.

    The ancients taught us – and modern gurus constantly rediscover – the only thing one can control is one’s own thoughts.

    I read your post last night in a hospital emergency room waiting for Alie to be admitted for complications after major surgery earlier this month. I choose to believe she will eventually heal stronger than she was earlier this year, and we will travel across the country next fall to see your yellow aspen trees again. In the meantime, I am grateful we saw them in 2018.

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    • Thank you for your comment, especially in light of your own challenges. I hope all your wishes for Alie’s recovery as well as your future together will come true and I’m sending healing thoughts.

      That “the only thing one can control is one’s own thoughts” is something that I know in theory but need to learn to internalize and live by.

      Thankfully,

      Tanja

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  20. Hi, Mrs. Tanja-

    This world we live in is overcome by sin and brokenness as you stated and yes, it is so upsetting.

    For my hope, I cling to God through His word and through conversation with Him in prayer. Jesus is my overarching truth and He grants peace to those who call on His name.

    I wish you a blessed year to come despite the challenges and disappointments the year may hold.

    Sending prayers your way! 😊

    -Gavin Broom

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    • Dear Gavin,

      Thank you very much for your comment and your prayers. I appreciate your perspective and I’m glad you are finding strength and comfort in your faith.

      I once shared a similar faith but life events and encounters have led me to believe that there are many different truths, or different ways to find the truth, and that it’s important to be respectful of the different faiths that exist.

      Best wishes for the new year for you and all your loved ones.

      Tanja

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  21. I really appreciate your honest post, Tanja. I am experiencing many of the same emotions and situations that you mention here. I remember being so upset by the state of the world and in particular the treatment of animals, that I just sat on the hill, one day in the back yard, wondering why I am painting because it isn’t changing anything. I think we have to honor our feelings because they are ALL valid and then sometimes we have to force ourselves to start back into our creativity again. Your love of the earth and all of its creatures living on it comes through loud and clear in your writing and beautiful photos. I have learned so much from it. I wish better people were in charge.

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    • Thank you for your comment, Julie. So many of us are appalled by the state of the world and want things to be better. I think it’s tragic that we know what ought to be done but either don’t want to or can’t translate it into reality. We have the ability to think and plan ahead yet seem stuck in our shortsighted ways. It’s depressing and maddening at the same time.

      I also share your wish for better people to be in control.

      And I’m sending you heartfelt wishes for a good transition into the new year.

      Best,

      Tanja

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  23. Tanja dear. You capture the infernal complexity of our times, along with the distress it all incites, with great clarity and honesty. You articulate the dark and offer us images of the light. You use the word “tension” in your question for us, your readers, and therein, perhaps, lies the rub. There is no perfect equilibrium to any of the “in-between” states you’ve captured so beautifully here. Dynamic balance is the best we can hope for, which isn’t to say that riding the swaying back and forth isn’t going to make us sick at times, or that the slides into the crap end of life will be almost more than we can bear. So far, history shows that those slides don’t last, but that’s cold comfort when we’re deep in the slime, isn’t it?

    I think the question you pose contains the seeds to its own answer. One of the ways human beings live with these tensions and hold the despondency at bay is to reach out to others. Your post is an eloquent expression of a dismay a lot of people share, and I think the sincerity of the responses here is a reflection of your care and generosity as a writer as well as the capacity of writing in general to facilitate meaningful connections. That’s no small thing.

    May your new year bring enough beauty and joy to tilt the balance closer to the light.

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    • Dear Andrea,

      Thank you for your thoughtful and supportive comment. I have been very touched by the many sindere responses to this post, but not overly surprised, as I know that many of our fellow bloggers share our dismay and distress about the status quo.

      I love the idea of the balance tilting closer to the light–thank you for gifting me this beautiful image.

      I’m returning my heartfelt wishes for a better 2025.

      Love,

      Tanja

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  24. Tanja, I can only imagine your inner conflict with everything happening in the world. Similarly, I can only offer what I do when the world seems to be conspiring against me, or against what I consider to be rational thought. I “focus” (slight pun on photography) on the truly important things to me, that I can affect. Initially, that feels inward I realize. In the end, I’m really only able to affect what I can touch, or hug. Eventually, if enough remember what’s truly important, the rest begins to go away, though it may seem like forever in the meantime. I’m going to get this phrase wrong, but one of my leaders at my former company said something like this, “Nothing of significance in this world happens unless it’s between two people.” I know they weren’t the originator, but it stuck with me. I’d like to think those “two” are doing the right thing. If enough “two’s” do that, stuff changes. You have an incredible support following, I’m sure someone’s experiences will help, even if only a little to start with.

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    • Thank you, Brad, I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts.

      I keep getting reminded that I need to accept that there are many things beyond my control, and to try to do the best in those areas that I have control over. I like your example of trying to influence “what I can touch, or hug” and the image makes me smile, as it’s making me think of a big bear hug. 😊

      I have been very moved by all the wonderful comments to my post, including by yours. Thanks again, and best wishes for 2025.

      Tanja

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  26. Dear Tanja, you have written a brave post reflecting your bravery in articulating the challenges we face and have to live with. Fear and despondency are totally valid responses, yet we know we cannot live only within their orbit. It is possible if not necessary to live with contradictory responses and emotions. So even as we are fearful, we can be brave, even as we are despondent we can find hope.
    The destruction of the planet and cruelty to people and animals are painful to witness and acknowledge and can be completely overwhelming.
    There is the quotation (attribution varies) “It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness”. For years I misremembered it as “its better to light a candle than to be overwhelmed by the darkness’ This makes more sense to me although some will think it trite.
    Some of your readers have also spoken of the dynamic between hope and despair as one is not fixed in one or the other.
    So in the face of despair may we still see the flickers of light that can inspire us or connect us, and we can seek to make our own flashes of light, even in small and everyday things that light our way and spark a recognition in others even if only by way of a smile or a touch of the hand, kindness.
    I know that some days I feel myself sinking beneath the darkness and despondency. But one has to seek out the flickers of light and treasure and nurture those. I think of the generations before us that have prevailed in the face of horrors and tragedies and the resilience that is our inheritance.
    And more prosaically, I increasingly protect myself by not deliberately and relentlessly reading the news and trying to assimilate all the horrendous information about one’s country and the world. In the past, people were more aware of things at a local level, and less exposed to the 24/7 news cycle we now sometimes seek out, but perhaps ought to moderate more judiciously.
    Wishing you and us all kindnesses, hope and resilience.

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    • Dear Carol,

      I’m touched by your words. Thank you for commiserating. And for reminding me of something very important: “Even as we are fearful, we can be brave, even as we are despondent we can find hope.”

      Thankfully, I do still find flickers of hope, mostly in the goodness of friends and family as well as in nature’s resiliency. It’s when internal or external events prevent me from experiencing said goodness that all the negative forces take over, overwhelm me.

      It’s heartening to know how many of us wish for a better world and work towards realizing it.

      Thank you for all your good wishes which I wholeheartedly return.

      Tanja

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  27. Liebe Tanja, erst einmal ein Frohes Neues Jahr für dich und deine Lieben, Gesundheit, Glück, Zuversicht und viele schöne Naturbegegnungen mit Tieren aller Art 🙂

    Ich kann deine Verzweiflung gut verstehen. Manchmal sind die Nachrichten so deprimierend, daß es kaum noch auszuhalten ist. Als erste Maßnahme mache ich so etwas wie Nachrichtenfasten für ein paar Tage, was schon extrem hilfreich ist. Wir können nicht täglich alles aufnehmen und verarbeiten, was auf uns einprasselt. Außerdem werden fast nur negative Meldungen transportiert, dabei passiert so unendlich viel Gutes auf dieser Welt, was wir immer wieder aus den Augen verlieren. Und wie viele es hier schon geschrieben haben, konzentriere ich mich dann auf mich selbst und meine nähere Umwelt. Egal was die Verantwortlichen da draußen tun, wir selbst können bei uns und unserer Umwelt anfangen. Ich kann mich im Naturschutz engagieren, egal, was ‘die da oben’ entscheiden. Und wenn ich bei mir bin und mich an meinen Projekten freue, umso mehr Menschen kann ich anstecken und begeistern. Wenn ich leide bzw. mitleide bin ich niemandem eine Hilfe. Ich möchte dir außerdem The Work von Byron Katie ans Herz legen. Vielleicht hast du schon mal von ihr gehört? Gerade in dieser Situation kann es sehr hilfreich sein. Alles Gute für dich! Ich wünsche dir, daß du bald wieder optimistischer in die nahe Zukunft sehen kannst!

    liebe Grüße

    Almuth

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    • Liebe Almuth,

      danke, daß Du Dir die Zeit zum Lesen und Kommentieren genommen hast.

      Du hast so recht mit Deinen positiven Gedanken und theoretisch stimme ich ihnen auch zu, doch manchmal (eigentlich zu oft) werde ich von all der Negativität überwältigt.

      Byron Katie kannte ich bisher noch nicht, danke für den Hinweis. Ihre Philosophie hört sich ansprechend an, ich werde mich mit ihr vertraut machen.

      Auch Dir wünsche ich alles Gute für das neue Jahr und hoffe, Deine Pläne und Erwartungen werden sich erfüllen.

      Sei herzlich gegrüßt,

      Tanja

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      • Liebe Tanja, danke für diene guten Wünsche! Bei den vielen negativen Nachrichten ist das wirklich schwierig, drum muß auch ich manchmal Abstand nehmen. Damit verschwinden die düsteren Aussichten nicht, aber ich kann für mich wieder Kraft sammeln. Ich hoffe, du findest einen Weg für dich, damit es dich nicht mehr so extrem mitnimmt. Alles Gute für dich
        und herzliche Grüße
        Almuth

        Liked by 1 person

  28. Dear Friend,

    Such a beautiful and well written post! Indeed, these are such sad times. I try to keep on by doing what I can to help nature via my local Audubon, but I often feel that Laurie at Notes For the Hinterland is so correct—pretty pictures often just don’t seem to feel right! Getting older brings unexpected health challenges, as well. Why wasn’t I prepared for it?

    Still, I think that our individual voices, no matter how small, make a difference. I am always encouraged or made more thoughtful by reading your posts, after all ! So, I’m planning on keeping on keeping on, and hoping….

    Wishing you the best possible New Year,

    Julie

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    • Thank you for your caring comment, dear Julie. I also still think that our individual choices are important, despite being overwhelmed most of the time by the extent of negative forces on so many different levels, especially when it comes to environmental destruction.

      Let’s keep hoping and working towards the good we believe in.

      I’m returning your good wishes for the coming year.

      Warmly,

      Tanja

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  30. You are not alone, Tanja. We have sold our house, with vague plans to move somewhere cooler. Since then my mental health has deteriorated. So much so, that we will probably stay where we are for now. I am very aware how fortunate we are to be able to afford to lease, heat or cool our temporary abode but still feel despondent and horribly anxious.

    Sometimes I wonder why we moved to the USA, the country of my birth and ancestors. I watch the global news for some balance in a disordered world. Small things give me moments of pleasure. Watching a small herd of deer from the bedroom window. My new neighbor is kind. I wrote a fairy tale that gave me a little boost and reminded me of my beloved wood mice at our last home.

    My doctor suggested that I temporarily increase my anti-depressant dose and I fully agree with him. Medication is not always the answer but can help when you have a chronic mental illness like I do. For a time, I saw a psychologist who specialized in cognitive behavior therapy and that helped me set boundaries on my negative thinking.

    I hope that you are able to find some light in this dark time in history. Your post was beautifully written – poignant and thought-provoking. May your creativity give you succor. Sending warm thoughts. Kerry xx

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  32. Tanja, I’m sorry you’re in such a state of flux. Esp the part about having a parent and being parentless. I understand the helplessness, the anxiety, sadness, waiting. Plus all the other stuff. We cut our cable 6 months ago bc the cable company kept raising rates and it provided an unintended side benefit… no news. Stress level way down. I know it may seem like sticking our head in the sand, but there’s nothing I can do about it… and lately I’ve been reading so many helpful, kind blogs about self-care…mentally, physically, spiritually. I take comfort in knowing that not a sparrow falls without God’s OK… and to summarize from one of my fav poems, Desiderata…

    “And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.”

    Wishing you peace and comfort in 2025 🙂🙏❤️

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    • Thank you for sharing your thoughts and insights, Darryl. You have a more positive worldview than I and I hope yours will prove to be true, for everyone’s sake.

      I appreciate the good wishes and hope 2025 will be a good year for you as well.

      Warmly,

      Tanja

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  33. I missed this when you posted it, but reading your follow-up first lets me know you’re doing better. Your line ‘in between being someone’s daughter and being parentless’ really hit me as I’ve been in the same situation since my mom passed a year ago. Sending hugs, Maggie

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  35. I’m late coming to this post but want to assure you that you are certainly not alone in feeling as you do. A few years ago I went through that process of going from being a daughter to losing my parents. It was a long drawn-out time and seemed to fill and take over my life. A time of constant hospital visits, coping with my mother’s increasing dementia, and worry about finding the best ways to help them. But that time passed, and in as good a way as it was able to. To my surprise, I came out of it into a time of peace, despite the happenings in the rest of the world. I think that nature and my garden, my good friends, and, above all, my supportive husband have all helped greatly to allow me to focus on the good things. I still despair over man’s actions, but can only take my own little ones in the hope of travelling in the right direction.

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    • I appreciate your comment so much, Ann. Thank you for sharing your experiences about your parents. I lost my Mom far too long ago, and now am trying to figure out how to help my Dad live as long and comfortably as possible. It’s made more challenging by living so far away from him and, at times, it becomes all-consuming.

      I’m glad you had the support you needed and have found peace and a renewed appreciation of all the good things in life. I’m trying to learn to keep things in perspective, and to find a balance between the turmoil and my mental and physical well-being. I have not found it yet.

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