Hello friend,
It has been my intention for many months to write to you but I have struggled to put pen to paper—or fingers to keyboard. Personal, family, and global turmoil have left me feeling uninspired, uninspiring, and cynical, and I’m afraid this letter will not be upbeat. I have long been debating whether to write it at all.
Are you sad? Depressed? Then you are not alone. I have never wanted to add to all the negative news out there, but find it exceedingly difficult to pretend that everything is ok, or will be. Wherever I look and listen, the world as we have known is barely recognizable.
I have stopped counting the number of times when I think that the species that named itself sapiens is anything but, and have little doubt that the current chapter of human history will eventually be regarded as one of our most degraded and shameful and short-sighted, provided someone will be around to write it.
As a student of history, I have always assumed, or at least hoped, that we could learn from past mistakes and prevent them from happening again, but I don’t think we have.
As someone who grew up in Germany, I have always known that the likes of Hitler exploit the liberal laws of their country in order to get rid of those very laws, with the goal to serve their own nefarious purposes. That they are willing to sacrifice the lives of their fellow humans to advance their selfish agendas. That they surround themselves with minions who praise their megalomaniac minds and flatter their hyperinflated egos. That they ask for sacrifices from us commoners while they rule from golden towers. That they promise peace and prosperity while delivering only aggression, war, and hardship. That they threaten countless persons by vilifying their physical appearance, their genetic background, or their sexual, political, or religious leanings.
Even the Gilded Age robber barons felt compelled to placate their bad conscience by passing on a few of their millions to the lowly masses, or by constructing buildings to benefit the public. Today’s gilded figures suffer no such scruples—they openly and blatantly enrich their own coffers, and those of their families and friends. Where is accountability for those who ridicule affordability?
Where are the leaders who address our world’s most pressing problem: climate change?
How many more degrees does the thermometer have to climb, how many more glaciers have to melt? How many more tornadoes, hurricanes, typhoons, and floods does it take? How much longer do mega-droughts have to last? How many more trees have to burn, releasing more CO2 into the atmosphere, exacerbating the vicious climate cycle? How many more species have to breathe their last under our watch?
I bemoan the ill effects of the Anthropocene. The unnaturalness of declaring corporations persons, and of denying personhood to our fellow living, breathing, and feeling creatures. We ignore our interconnectedness and interdependence at everybody’s peril, ours included. Where is the wisdom in that?
As I’m typing these lines, the American West is burning and Colorado’s columbine-colored skies are obscured by wildfire smoke that makes it hard to breathe, brings tears to our eyes, and turns the sun an apocalyptic red. Human and more-than-human beings have lost their homes or even their lives. I mourn for and with them.

Yes, I’m sad and depressed.
But I’m also disappointed, even angry.
Because many of these human-caused calamities could have been avoided, or their devastating effects diminished, had we heeded the warnings of those individuals who have long cautioned us about an impending ecological crisis: Henry David Thoreau. Even then! Aldo Leopold. Rachel Carson. Robin Wall Kimmerer. Terry Tempest Williams. And many more.
Because our elected officials, instead of trying to mitigate the ill effects of a warming planet, wantonly adhere to their “drill, baby drill ideology,” in order to further enrich the fossil fuel industry—and themselves. Not only do they deny the proven benefits of alternative energies, they disincentivize their development and even attempt to penalize those who promote them.
+++++++++++++
As members of a “developed” society, each of us has contributed to today’s climate emergency. Walking a different path will take sacrifices from all of us, and caring people all around the globe are trying to make amends. Despite doubts and pessimism, I want to continue to be part of that movement in the hope that Earth will remain a livable home for all its denizens.

Let’s reduce, reuse, recycle—do whatever we can think of that makes a difference. Humans have proven extremely resourceful. We have landed on the moon and marveled at its far side. We can tackle the problems we are facing here on Earth, but only if we do it together.

We need to vote for the far-sighted leaders our times need. And we need to fight for the continued right to vote, which is also under threat.
I dream of a future or, better yet, a present, in which we finally live up to the name we have chosen for ourselves.
Thank you for lending me your ear. I have missed being in touch. I hope you are as well as can be expected.
With heartfelt greetings,
Tanja
One really does wonder where this will lead us, the fleas on the dog’s back.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for your comment, Eliza.
I guess it all depends on what dog we choose to travel on . . .
LikeLike
Hallo Tanja.
Inzwischen bin ich 80 Jahre alt geworden.
Habe meinen Ehemann und dann auch meinen kleinen Buddy verloren.
Ich bin nicht depressiv geworden, aber ich habe den Glauben an ein Umschwenken verloren.
Es ist jetzt 10 nach Zwölf, nicht mehr 10 vor Zwölf.
Die Erde wird kurzen Prozess machen und sich ihrer Quälgeister entledigen.
Danach wird sie aufatmen und sich regenerieren.
Hoffentlich ohne den Fehler Homo sapiens zu wiederholen.
Solange ich kann erfreue ich mich an den kleinen Wundern der Natur.
Gerade eben schickte mir eine liebe Freundin ein Foto mit kleinen Grauschnäppern im Nest. 😍
Das ist es, was mir hilft seelisch gesund zu überleben.
Alles Liebe und Gute für dich. Ich habe dich vermisst.
Liebe Grüße Brigitte
LikeLiked by 1 person
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good luck, little ones!
LikeLiked by 1 person
“Homo sapiens” ist wohl die falscheste Bezeichnung, die die Wissenschaft je erfunden hat!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ich stimme Dir zu!
LikeLike
Liebe Brigitte,
vielen Dank für Deinen Kommentar.
Es tut mir sehr leid, daß Du nun auch noch Buddy begraben mußtest. Ich bin mir sicher, daß Deine beiden geliebten Herren im Herzen immer bei Dir sind.
Auch für mich ist die Natur nach wie vor ein Refugium, doch gerade dort wird frau ständig daran erinnert, was alles schief läuft. Aber wie Du freue auch ich mich über die kleinen Wunder, die uns dort noch täglich erwarten.
Nachträglich wünsche ich Dir noch alles Gute zum Geburtstag sowie für Dein neues Lebensjahr. Bleib’ gesund und munter.
In Herzlichkeit,
Tanja
LikeLiked by 1 person
Liebe Brigitte,
ich tue es zwar nicht gerne, aber ich kann – leider – nincht umhin, Dir zuzustimmen. 😞😢
Liebe Gruesse,
Pit
LikeLiked by 2 people
Well, I can’t disagree with anything you’ve written. All I can offer is that I’m also deeply sad and angry that we’ve continued down a path of destruction and that our leaders haven’t owned their responsibilities. That being said, I’m glad you’re writing, at least for this day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your comment, Tina. I hope there is a way for all of us through these tumultuous times.
LikeLike
I have been thinking about you and wondering how you were doing. Like Tina, I can’t disagree with anything you wrote. If you would like to see where much of the blame lies, watch the documentary The Merchants of Doubt, which charts how the oil companies have employed the same tactics used by cigarette companies to muddy the waters about the harm they are causing. Illuminating and infuriating. While there is a limit to what individuals can do—we really do need system changes—we have made changes in our own family to try live more lightly. From cars to heating to cooling, We are now an electric family. We don’t eat any kind of meat. Many of our vegetables come from a local farm that in turn uses electric vehicles to deliver farm shares. No doubt we could do more, but we have made a start.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your comment, Laurie.
Like you and your family, we are trying to do what we can, but the problems are so much bigger than we are, it will take a global approach to tackle them. Given how self-centered so many of our political leaders are, that seems like a pipe dream. Maybe we need to keep dreaming bigger.
Best wishes,
Tanja
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, the problems need to be addressed systematically. When will we, collectively, wise up?
LikeLiked by 1 person
When indeed?!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Tanja, everything you say is true. The world is in a horrible state. To a significant extent, people just don’t get along. That’s always been the case. It’s built into human DNA.
Climate change probably isn’t reversible at this point. Maybe it can be slowed. But that will take resolve and ingenuity to a degree that most societies probably aren’t capable of.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your comment, Neil.
I have always struggled with the contradictions of humankind. On the one hand, we are capable to do so much good, and many individuals live up to that each and every day. On the other hand, as a collective, the dark side seems to take over. Like you, I have my doubts about our collective resolve to do what it takes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I second you, Tanja. You have articulated what I could not.
If only, if only, if only……to say this is merely a drop in the ocean of calamity mankind is now facing. Every living creature on the planet is being affected by climate change. Yes, I feel sad and depressed about the suffering and loss too.
Is it too late?
Probably.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your comment, Vicki.
There is a reason for the saying “hope dies last.” I think it’s almost impossible to go on living without hope, so we have to keep reminding ourselves of all the good that still does exist.
Best wishes,
Tanja
LikeLike
Hi, Mrs. Tanja-
First of all, it is so good to hear from you! My family and I talk about you and Mr. Mike often, and hope you both are doing well. I have thoroughly missed your blog!
Secondly, my heart as well goes out to all of those who have been impacted by the fires recently. We recently went through the very bottom of Colorado on our summer road trip, and we could smell the fires one day, since they were so close. I definitely feel so bad for those who have lost everything due to these fires. I pray you and the beautiful Colorado Springs area are protected during this time!
I understand your sadness during this time. I agree that at some points, it seems as if all things are crumbling downhill. I pray each day for God’s will to take place, and I cannot wait to see how He will work all things out!
Once again, it is so nice to hear from you, and I express my deepest condolences to you during this extremely hard time!
Take care during this time!
Blessings to you,
Gavin Broom
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Gavin,
It’s good to hear from you!
Thank you very much for your kind words, I appreciate the support.
If we love this world and pay attention, I don’t think we can help being concerned about many different issues. Humankind has taken this precious planet for granted and we have proven to be poor caretakers. Every living being is suffering as a result.
The fires you smelled have only worsened and more people are getting evacuated. We are hoping and praying for rain!
I hope all is well with you and the entire family!
Best wishes,
Tanja
LikeLiked by 1 person
I totally agree with what you said about those who love this world must take care of it and be concerned for it’s betterment.
My heart truly goes out to those who have been impacted by the fires, and I pray for rain to come and bring relief.
My family and I are doing well, and hope the same for you both!
Blessings,
Gavin
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Tanja,
yes, you are right talking about present days` mess. – And thanks for re-appearing!
However, aside of all our dark thoughts, the Earth is continuing (with or without mankind – misnamed as homo sapiens) to turn round.
There is some kind of hope left, e.g. accompanying young ones, teaching them in hands-on-activities – presenting positive results.
https://osmerus.blog/2026/07/03/naturpark-aukrug-toensbek-kieseinbringen-mit-schulklasse/
All of that because of the millions of years of “learning nature” – most of importance now: cooling the landscape. – Or, as an advertisement for “justdiggit” says: “If were are able to overheat the earth, we – as well – are able to cool it down.”
I`ll stay with the summercool rivers, trying to help them out of manmade problems – starting with “the tree”, in mind “trees, tree lined roads and rivers, wetland forests …”
Continuing, as someone who wanted to offend me said “Keep on dreaming your dream”. – Yes, I do.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your comment, Ludwig.
It does instill hope that young people are starting to care about the Earth and are willing to put in elbow grease to help address problems, despite the fact that it was their parents and grandparents who created all this “mess.”
I admire all the education and practical work you do in trying to restore habitats. It was so “easy” to destroy them yet takes such painstaking effort to bring them back to life.
Thank you for not giving up and for continuing to dream on!
All the best,
Tanja
LikeLike
Tanja, I have thought about you so much over the last year, wondering how you were doing and worrying that you may not be doing well. I can see from what you have written here that you have been struggling with the state – and the fate – of our planet. I share your pain, I really do.
What you have written is powerful and incisive, and I cannot disagree with a single word of it. There is so much that needs to change. That change needs to be personal, local, national, international and global. It is a daunting prospect, but it’s important to remember that you – and we – are not alone. There are countless good people around us, all anxious to do their bit to make the world a better place. We need to stick together, work as one and chip away at the monolith of misery that looms above us all. Above all we must keep the faith, and believe that progress is possible, however hard the struggle me be.
You are amongst friends here, Tanja, and I hope you will feel able to remain an active part of our community. We’ve missed you! Take care, stay safe and stay strong. my friend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your comment, Mr P.
I do appreciate your kind words and wishes. It is comforting to know that there is a community of like-minded people, and that we can support one another.
I hope to spend more time here among my blogging friends.
Best wishes to you and Mrs P.
Tanja
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have written what we all think. You are right when you say that this time will be recalled as one of the most degraded in history. Colorado is burning, as well as France and Greece but the big boys just deny the climate change…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your comment.
I feel horrible about the heat waves in Europe and other places, and the fires and other catastrophic events all over. I hope you are hanging in there!
LikeLiked by 1 person
We are doing fine with weather, thanks. Our concerns regard the geopolitics… Be well, Tanja. Take care! 🌻
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. Best wishes for you as well!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Tanja… Your problems are common, and you’re not alone… Right now, the transatlantic situation between Europe and the U.S. is giving me so many headaches that I hardly feel like taking pictures anymore…
That “DRILL BABY” stuff is getting on my nerves… and I wish that U.S. citizens wouldn’t withdraw so passively from a DEMOCRACY, but would show in the fall elections how Democrats can respond to this…
Wishing you all the best…and take comfort in the knowledge that YOU ARE NOT ALONE
With love and warm regards,
Werner
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your comment, Werner.
I can relate to your disillusionment and your worries about democracy, transatlantic relations, and the state of the world–and the sadness that makes us not want to do the things we usually enjoy.
I hope you can get back to taking pictures, both as a way to document what you see and to help lift your spirits.
Best wishes to you,
Tanja
LikeLike
Du verstehst es ja.… Alles Liebe… vielen Dank ! 🐳🐋🐬🦀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Tanja,
You have been in my thoughts. I can painfully empathise regarding the state of affairs worldwide.
Just a comment to say I’m glad to hear from you and many share your thoughts. As you say, what all of us can do is to contribute in the ways we can – one day at a time… Stay well my friend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Takami,
Thank you for your comment, and for welcoming me back. One day at a time is a good attitude to adopt. And trying to look at the silver lining another.
Having friends who commiserate is one I’m grateful for.
All the best,
Tanja
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ich habe Dich vermißt und meine Gedanken sind die Deinen, nur
könnte ich nie diese perfekten Worte zu diesem Thema finden. Danke dafür und herzliche Grüße
Maren
LikeLiked by 1 person
Vielen Dank für Deine netten Worte, liebe Maren. Ich habe Dich auch vermißt und freue mich “to catch up.”
Liebe Grüße zurück,
Tanja
LikeLiked by 1 person
Tanja, I was so glad to see a post from you. I have missed your beautiful work and your presence online. I and so many others agree with you. Thank you for continuing to call people to wake up. Please try to keep writing. I believe that your work touches many and helps to change us. I stopped writing two years ago after a cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment with many complications. I’m trying to return to writing now. I hope that you will return to photography and writing. Your beautiful work makes a difference in our world. Thank you.
Beth
LikeLiked by 1 person
I appreciate your kind and supportive comment, Beth.
I’m sorry to hear about your health challenges and hope you will continue to feel better. I’m glad you have decided to return writing and blogging and I hope it will contribute to your healing.
Best wishes,
Tanja
LikeLike
Hi Tanja. I also recently came back to the blogosphere and was wondering about you. I empathize with what you have written and understand where you are coming from. It seems like the world has become a very charged place and very polarized. Humans can’t seem to agree on even the simplest of matters that are good for the humanity and the Earth. I hope you will write more regularly here as there is a community of like-minded fellow bloggers and readers. Best wishes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Pooja,
It’s great to hear from you, thank you for stopping by. I had checked your blog from time to time in the last several years to see if you had returned to blogging and am glad to see that you are back now.
I look forward to catching up.
I hope you are well. All the best,
Tanja
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Tanja
I agree with everything that you said. It is so nice to hear from you even though I don’t see you on the birding trail. As you know, I have been somewhat hobbled with balance issues and unable to get out without falling over on my head! Keep at it!
Fondly,
Gary
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for stopping by and for commenting, Gary.
I asked George about you when we were both looking for the Louisiana Waterthrush at Rock Ledge Ranch, and he told me about some of your problems. I’m sorry you aren’t able to move about as much and as freely as you’d like. I hope that will change for the better!
Best wishes,
Tanja
LikeLike
I hope this comment reaches you, Tanja. I’ve had trouble with some WP sites; the WP gnomes are, apparently, pissed at me 🙂 That being said, I certainly understand your anger and sadness, I feel it too. I think all we can do is the small things in our own realm, I’m not sure I have any other suggestion.
It is good to read you once again; I’ve missed your posts. Be well–I think most of us are like-minded and appreciate your writing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your comment and sentiment, Tina.
This is actually the 2nd comment from you that showed up. Sorry to hear the gremlins are making trouble.
LikeLike
Hi Tanja,
it is good to read you again, you have been absent for quite a while!
I understand the way you are feeling and to cheer you up a bit, I added a link that will please you (I hope you will be able to open it).
It is about a little town not far away from where I live that has recognized trees as living beings!
I would so much hope, that my town would do this too! But someone has to start!
I wish you all the best…
kindest regards, Christa
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/terrasse-vaudreil-quebec-tree-rights-9.7243634
LikeLiked by 1 person
Danke für Deine Zeilen, liebe Christa, sowie für den Link.
Das ist wirklich ein frohmachender Artikel, auch wenn sich Ähnliches millionenfach in anderen Gemeinden so wiederholen müßte, um wirklich einen Unterschied zu machen. Aber irgendwo muß ja mal ein Anfang gemacht werden!
Auf daß viele weitere ähnliche Änderungen an vielen Orten stattfinden!
Auch Dir wünsche ich alles Gute.
Tanja
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am glad to see you back here, even though the circumstances for us all on earth make it hard to feel inspired. I’ve missed seeing you on the platform but understand why you’ve taken time away from it for a while. I agree with you, that at least those of us who care about the earth and the nature living on it, can do our best to reduce our impact or dare I say improve things. 🌻🌳
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your comment, Julie. I really have missed being in touch with so many of our fellow bloggers. It’s good to be reminded that there are many who don’t agree with the status quo and want a better world, for all of us!
All the best,
Tanja
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Tanja,
i totally understand and adhere to your thoughts. I too once believed that through history humans would learn but as we continually keep seeing it is not so. As far as the environment goes, I have dedicated my life to its protection but sadly I now know the little I do is greatly out balanced by the corporate industries and the big spenders. Species are getting extinct on a daily basis.
As far as current leaders governing the planet, I must say we are at the worse possible times.
However, I keep trying to leave some sort of positive mark, whatever that may be.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your comment, Michael.
As disheartening as the human-made reality is, those of us who care need to keep doing whatever we can. Because we have to. And maybe, it will even help. Let’s hope so!
Best wishes,
Tanja
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re most welcome, Tanja. Yes we need to keep going on. 💪
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s good to hear from you again, Tanja, even though it’s such a difficult time. I too have been struggling with everything that’s going on, especially with the fires and devastation so close to home. I hope you’re safe and not in the path of the flames. And I hope what’s happening is a wake up call to people, both individually and collectively, that we need to do things differently.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your comment, Diana. Apologies for the late reply, I thought I had responded.
We aren’t directly in the path of any of the fires but see and smell the smoke and are sad with and for everybody affected.
I think we haven been receiving many wake-up calls, but somehow we seem unable or are unwilling to answer them. But I still share your hope that we will!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hallo Tanja, thank you for having the courage to both write and share your insights and articulate some of the complexities of responses and feelings we have in the face of so much that is currently so overwhelming. How can we not be sad, depressed, disappointed and angry?
I recall reading about Jane Goodall saying that hope is a call to action, and action is an antidote to despair, and she warned of the dangers of apathy.
But at the same time, small individualised actions can feel like fiddling while “Rome” (and much else besides) quite literally burns.
So maybe we can try to chart our own “middle way”, doing what we can personally and locally, such as helping out individual people or animals, supporting local and broader initiatives, and learning about the many individuals and projects that are indeed making a difference. And also, as you have done in your post, joining hands with others who also want to make a positive difference, helping us to feel less alone in our anxiety.
But all of this must seem academic as the wildfires continue to burn so out of control in parts of Colarado and so many people need to be evacuated. I hope that you are safe from the fires. I also hope that rain arrives soon bringing some relief.
With best wishes, Carol
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your comment, Carol.
I agree that the “middle way” is all most of us can realistically do, and I try. But sometimes–often–it feels like a drop in the ocean.
I love your description of “joining hands with others who also want to make a positive difference,” and want to believe that it can still make a difference.
Thank you also for the good wishes. We are not in any acute danger from the current nearby fires. The firefighters, with the help of small amounts of rain, have been able to contain some of the fires and we hope for better news soon, for everybody’s sake.
All the best,
Tanja
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Tanya – I have read that although some fires have been partially contained new fires are also springing up in hot and dry conditions. Fire fighters are truly heroic and I hope the weather turns in their favour soon. I also that your nearby fires are turning more to becoming a diminishing threat. So sad that lives have been lost and so many have lost their homes.
Thinking of you.
Carol
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your good thoughts and wishes, Carol. They are needed, and I’m adding mine for all those affected.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I completely understand how you feel. We seem doomed to destruction and contemplating the reality of it leads to very dark places.
It is therefore important to look even bigger. Even if the world gets hotter and drier , life will survive. It may not look like life now, plants, animals and people will be different but they will exist. We may have brought this on ourselves, but just like the tardigrave we will survive. Politicians will come and go; countries will come and go.
The future will be stranger than we can imagine.
This might not be the ride you signed up for but it’s happening anyway. So buckles up, never despair , we are going some where.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your comment, Cathy. And for sharing your thoughts.
What you describe is not what I wish for, and I find the loss of so many living beings so incredibly sad. But it has happened before, even without human help, and likely will again. I’m just not sure I want to be around as things get worse, I don’t think I have what it takes.
I’m glad you can keep an open mind, and not despair.
Best wishes,
Tanja
LikeLike
Herzlichen guten Morgen!
You have been missed.
I empathize with your feelings but do not share them totally. Having now survived for nearly eight decades, I have witnessed the roller coaster of history and remain amazed that our planet has existed all this time. My despair has bottomed out at things some human beings do. However, despair is a sin and I am guilty of so many others I decided not to keep committing that one.
My two saving graces in facing despair continue to be God and my Wife. I try to listen to both as much as possible. That second one has more common sense than is probably legal. But, with her help, I have an abiding positive attitude about life and the joys it offers.
The saving grace of our planet is the same as the source of all its problems.
People.
We have had the good fortune to live in five different states within the U.S. as well as an incredible 12 years in Germany. In all of those places, the good people outnumbered the bad every time. I truly believe we can exist in what seems to be an onslaught of negativity by showing others what a loving person looks like. Not an easy task, for certain, but if we can influence just one person to have an uplifting outlook, totally worth the effort.
Tanja, I urge you to talk with someone you trust. Do not accept your despair. Fight against it with every fiber of your being. Consider consulting a professional as they may be able to help you manage your feelings. As you have seen from the responses, you are NOT alone!
I don’t know whether you are religious, but I am, and you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
If you get a chance, glance at the blog I just posted. It’s filled with the beauty of Nature we have missed from your posts.
All the best from your friend.
Wally In Florida
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dear Wally,
Thank you for taking the time to leave me such a detailed and thoughtful comment. I sincerely appreciate your thoughts, even if I can’t share your outlook.
I also believe that there are many, many individuals who are and do good, but as history has proven, it only takes a few bad ones to pull the rest of us down. One bad person in a crowd of thousands can ruin the experience of the rest.
And I think we have handed the reins to some of the most self-absorbed, egotistical, uncaring people, whose only interests are more power and more money. They don’t care about this world, the air we breathe, the water we drink, the number of species that live or die.
The things they say and do is absurd, and if it weren’t so tragic, would be worthy only of ridicule.
Yes, the earth will survive, in one form or another. It does not need us, but we need it. We have taken, taken, and taken more, without giving a second thought to it, expecting resources to be endless and conditions to remain hospitable. But look around you. I’m sure I don’t have to enumerate the innumerable signs that virtually scream that things are totally out of whack.
No therapist and no antidepressant will be able to change that reality. But I continue to find some solace in nature and will continue to seek it. Maybe I need to seek harder for the wisdom you seem to have found! 🙂
Again, thank you for caring. I did not intend to rave, but these thoughts always lurk just a nanometer under the surface.
Best wishes to you and Gini.
Tanja
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your comment, Judy.
What a nice surprise to know that you visited my blog. 😊🙏
We hope all is well with all of you! ❤️
LikeLike
Very good to hear from you again.
My father-in-law gave me a bit of advice when I started at the company I retired from 33 years later. I’ll have to paraphrase because that was about 38 years ago in total. He told me (after 35 years at that same company) not to get too excited about having a bad boss (administration) because they tend not to stick around very long. He also told me not to get to excited about having a good boss, because like the bad ones, they don’t stick around very long either (usually promoted). That served me well in my 33 years there, though was sometimes tough to remember when I did have a bad boss now and again. Looking back, the corporate extremes have a way of correcting themselves; this too shall pass.
Very glad to see you online again!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your comment, Brad.
I think your father-in-law gave you good advice, and for a long time, it was a good attitude to live by. I hope your long view will prove to be correct but somehow, this feels very different from what we have come to expect.
It seems to me that all bosses beforehand, good or bad, at least accepted the framework they inherited. That’s no longer the case, and I don’t think that those who are working on dismantling it, intend to replace it with one that has the public interest and the greater good at heart.
I hope I’m wrong. But I’m glad you stopped by.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We, the people, simply need to remind those we elected to represent us to hold people accountable, themselves included, in the clearest terms possible. Sound simple, but takes courage across the board. Hang in there, this too shall pass.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Over at One Woman’s Quest, VJ noted:
“A teacher of mine once said that we are like tuning forks – our vibration, our energy, our attitude influencing those around us. I keep these words close to mind. A worthy goal for living each day.”
Worthy, indeed!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for caring, and for sharing that quote!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for sharing the beautiful images and I’m glad you returned to the blogging sphere. Two more years and this dictatorship will truly end! It’s a phenomena I don’t think anyone was expecting, and it suddenly hit hard. A beautiful country being led by a dictatorship! People seem to no longer have a voice in matters that concern the well being of all. Two more years and he’s out!! Two more years👍🏻
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your comment, Maria.
I fear we can no longer trust that your wish (and mine) will come true. The efforts to undermine the system and people’s trust in it are extremely concerning. I think the country is facing something never experienced before, and only time will tell what will happen.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have faith that democracy will prevail, and I agree that only time will tell.
LikeLiked by 1 person