Anybody Else?

Good morning, fellow bloggers! Don’t fall over in shock that I’m putting up another post this week. I’m feeling the need to share.

You know me. I always try to stay upbeat, positive and look for the bright side of life. Lately, that’s become a struggle. Things are shifting and I can’t help but feel it. This week, I’ve had an overwhelming sense of sadness for all of humanity past, present and future, who suffer at the hands of ruthless others. I’ve thought a lot about the way America grew into a country. What started out as a good idea soon turned ugly as the colonists began to push the Native Americans off their land, forcing them to fight back for a way of life they simply wanted to live. The white man, by nature, takes whatever he wants, regardless of the ripple effect on others. Yet, there is absolutely nothing I can do to change the way history is unfolding. Still, I feel it. We live on such a beautiful planet, and have the chance to exist in harmony with each other, but the exact opposite is happening. Black Elk said it in a profoundly beautiful way.

I want to cling to the belief that everything is unfolding as it is meant to, and I know before change comes great chaos, but feeling it so strongly is challenging. I can remember as a little girl, crying so much, because I saw a family of three walking down the road with belongings on their back. I wanted to help them. I might have been eight at the time. And now, I feel that same strong emotion about the suffering of humanity across the globe. In America, people are working and not receiving a paycheck. Homeless people are being pushed out of sight. I don’t know where they are going, but many cities have passed ordinances prohibiting them from camping anywhere within the city. Is homelessness a choice? Maybe for some. I know there is a lot of substance abuse and mental illness among the homeless, but I digress. They are still human, despite their condition or situation. And that’s just the tip of the social crisis iceberg. Things are in a huge mess everywhere and I see NO hope of anyone ever making it better. Corruption abounds at every level of our so-called government. Fighting and hatred flourish.

It goes against everything I am in my core being. I long for a place where peace and harmony exists—where I can rest. I’m weary. I keep hearing the words, “just hold the light,” but my arms are tired and my soul is battered. Surely, I’m not alone. I’m not having a pity party. It’s not about me at all. It’s about my fellow humans.

I don’t mean to be a downer. I’d much rather be encouraging you. I keep getting up every day, suiting up and showing up because it’s all I know to do. Often it is helpful to share and to realize others are struggling too. We are here to grow, to learn and to help each other. If enough souls can come together in accord, things can start to change for the better.

Then, there is the 3i/Atlas out there hurtling toward Earth. Many in the metaphysical circles say it is not a comet, as ‘they’ claim, but is indeed a space ship coming to clean things up. Who knows? Perhaps it is and perhaps it’s not. Then there’s Swan, another purported comet that may or may not be accompanying 3i/Atlas. Still, I can’t get past the feeling that everything is shifting. I believe humanity cannot continue on the path its walking. So, what? Guess we’ll see. Anyway, it feels better just to say the words out loud and hope it strikes a chord in you.

**Because of the volatile nature of everything these days, I’ll end with this disclaimer: I am not affiliated with ANY political party in the United (divided) States. I don’t participate in that part of the illusion, and haven’t for many many years. Nor, do I intend to.**

  • Comment (29)
  • Emma says:

    I agree with all you said. Because of a con man in office he has brainwashed our people. He follows Hitlers book.

  • MrsHallWays says:

    Oh, my friend, I feel all this with you. There’s a shift in the world, and we’re in the midst of the chaos that we haven’t created and which we can’t control. It doesn’t matter if we’re affiliated with a political party or not — none of that shields us from the consequences of the choices our leaders are making. And sadly, the current climate has encouraged the worst, most vile behavior in many people who’d kept it in check for a long time. I still believe there is more good than evil in humanity, and I’ve found some comfort in listening to Sunday sermons, prayer, and remembering that we must be patient in waiting for change for the better. I truly believe it will get better, and I think it’s good to talk about how hard and helpless it feels to live in these times. BIG HUGS and LOVE.

    • Jan Sikes says:

      Thank you, Kristine! It’s hard for me to refer to the people in charge as ‘leaders’ as they are anything but that. It’s good to know I’m not the only one struggling with this chaos and evil atmosphere. I too listen to positive uplifting meditations and pray every day for strength to maintain. I know we have to be patient. Sometimes, I grow weary from it all. And I do think it’s good to talk about it in a healthy way. One thing I need to do is avoid social media for a while. The environment is toxic. That’s one small thing I can do, but then I start to miss seeing what’s going on with friends and family that is good and wonderful and uplifting. I deeply appreciate you taking the time to drop by and leave a comment. Hugs back to you, my friend.

  • petespringer says:

    I feel the same level of angst you do in the world right now. I try to get along with everyone and have peace in my life. I’ve seen people (I’m sure you have too) who seem to want to throw another log onto the fire, adding to the chaos. Rather than add to all the flames of dissent, I remove myself from it. Social media? Much of it is a giant timesuck of negativity. Who needs that in their life? For me, the answer is to look for goodness and ways to connect with people in my community. Amidst the hatred and nonstop political battles, are people looking out for each other. That gives me hope, which is what we all need.

    • Jan Sikes says:

      Thank you SO much for your comment, Pete. And yes, I’ve seen people throwing logs on the fire and seem to delight in others’ misery. I also try to remove myself from it as much as possible. I don’t watch the news. I stopped that over fifteen years ago when it was no longer news, but drama to gain higher ratings. I love social media for what it was originally intended. It’s a way to stay connected with people I don’t get to see often. I think you’ve hit the nail on the head. We can’t change what’s happening on a global scale, but we can contribute in our own little nucleus. I appreciate the positive tone of your comment! Have a great day!

  • I think a lot of us are feeling the same way, it’s difficult not to. Everyone else either seems to have their head in the sand, or in the clouds. I think we need hope, but we also need to face the reality that is before us. Take care 💙

    • Jan Sikes says:

      I’ve been good at sticking my head in the sand, Alethea, hoping it would all pass over, but alas it hasn’t. I think we need hope to keep us hanging on. Reality sucks really big right now, even though we are taught it’s all an illusion. It’s an illusion that is causing much angst. Thank you so much for joining in on the conversation.

  • I don’t like that so many are suffering, either. I pray for those who are suffering around the world. The Sudan atrocities, the hurricane, the homeless, the drug and gang problems … it is difficult.

    • Jan Sikes says:

      It’s so sad that humanity is suffering, while at many different degrees. I pray for an ending to it and pray daily for peace and for the light to shine brighter than ever before. Thank you so much for stopping by.

  • willedare says:

    I think you will get LOTS of comments from other human beings who are also feeling deeply saddened and discouraged these days. I also avoid most social media and major media (who are unable to report candidly about what is unfolding due, I guess, to A) fear B) greed C) being owned by billionaires who would prefer a more plutocratic/fascist form of government to a messy democracy with lots of annoying checks and balances. Music is my solace and inspiration — playing it at home on my ukulele, walking around town practicing song lyrics, leading Music Together classes, and performing at retirement communities. I also, as previous wise commenters have mentioned above, go out of my way to make eye contact with people I pass in the street or on the bus, to thank tellers and the bank and cashiers at the super market, and write lots of thank you cards to friends and employers and family members. Deep breath in. Deep breath out. you are not alone with your feelings!

    • Jan Sikes says:

      I deeply appreciate your comment, Will. Music is definitely a place of solace. And how wonderful that you are able to lead Music Together classes to help uplift others. Like you, I will continue to show kindness to everyone I meet. A smile only takes a second and can change another person’s perspective. I think we each have to simply find what can keep us lifted and share that in any way possible. I’m breathing…

  • Good heartfelt thoughts, Jan. Keep thinking the way you feel is right.

  • D.L. Finn, Author says:

    I’m definitely feeling too Jan. I lay awake trying to wrap my head around all the hate and greed. The only thing I come back to is being the light in this heavy darkness even if a flicker. Still easy to get overwhelmed especially if you are paying attention. Sending hugs

    • Jan Sikes says:

      Somehow I knew you’d understand, Denise. When we are sensitive to energy, we can’t help but feel it. And I totally agree. Over and over, I hear the words, “Just hold the light.” I hear it and I keep trying, but sometimes I get weary. I pray intervention is on the way! Thank you for adding your thoughts. Sending hugs back to you!

  • Sister, we’ve discussed this a lot and agree that something has to give. We can’t keep going on like this but all I know to do is keep putting on foot in front of the other and immersing myself in the peace that comes when I write. There are no other options. I’m not going to more medicine to try to fix it. I love you dearly.

    • Jan Sikes says:

      Thank goodness you have the gift of storytelling and can immerse yourself in it. I think that is part of what is missing for me since I’m not working on anything new at the moment. You are right in that all we can do is keep putting one foot in front of the other and pray for better days for all of humanity. And no, this is not something medicine can fix. It can numb, but what good does that do? Thank you for stopping by. Love you, sister, and am so grateful for you. Wish I could hug you!

  • Dan Antion says:

    You are not alone in your feelings, Jan. I don’t understand how we came to be a country that treats any people, let alone so many people, without the smallest amount of dignity. I think that is a human right.

    • Jan Sikes says:

      I don’t understand it either, Dan. It’s all beyond me and I allowed it to make me overwhelmingly sad. We are not by any stretch of the imagination creating a country where humans are valued. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Thanks for chiming in.

  • I feel your pain Jan, each morning I check the headlines in the hopes that somewhere at least there has been a resolution to the violence or some good news… We have created a fear culture which particularly impacts the younger generation, theatening to suck the life out of their future. There are wonderful people all over the world and I have to belief that in the end they will prevail. ♥

  • Paula Cappa says:

    Same here, Jan. Dark times for sure for our country. You mention issues we are all struggling with. We have to vote out the people in power and keep up the social pressure against the power grabs and greed. These days, I try to focus on the good light of the autumn weather and the colors surrounding us. I am reading more poetry because the beauty of words is soothing. And adding more flowers into my days! Pink and yellow. Let’s brighten our thoughts.

  • Mary Morgan says:

    Oh, Jan, I feel the same. It’s definitely a dark time in our country. I, too, struggle with this toxic mess. Yet I refuse to submit to the darkness. I’ll continue to light a candle every day, continue to help those in my city provide even the basics of food for their families, and continue to strive for peace through prayer and meditation. There’s definitely a shift happening, and I feel we must walk through this darkness/evil with our Lights of Hope held high. Hold on tight, dear friend. As some have said, “We’re in for a bumpy ride.” Love you!

  • I’m feeling the same, Jan, and some things remain baffling that I’ll never understand. But I love Pete’s comment, so I’ll echo what he said. We’re watching less news, and social media for me is geared more for writing. I don’t enter into any rabbit hole of political conversations. It’s not worth it, and how do people have the time? Anyway, I try to keep hope alive that this too shall pass. And focus on the good and the blessings. Hugs ❤️

  • jinlobify says:

    Hi, Jan. it is good to speak out. There are people like me who choose to watch and pray.
    What I see happening is beyond reason, but then I know that God is watching. I trust Him and I believe that He does not make mistakes. It is this belief and trust that give me the strength and assurance that all will be well, as God is in control.
    Those leaders out there believe they know it all. They believe in their power. I look at them and I pity them. They forget one thing, that history repeats itself. They may control the present but not the future.

  • I’ve been feeling the same way for months. I think anyone who doesn’t feel this way has something wrong with them.

  • John Howell says:

    Hate is one of the most destructive human emotions that spreads like wildfire. We should do all we can to avoid getting sucked in.

  • A poignant post, Jan. Sending hugs

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