Frequently in these opinion pages we read about the ongoing, chronic, acute, and heartfelt concerns, problems, and challenges that writers both local and further afield feel are necessary to share. As a strident advocate of free speech (as long as what is shared is not intended to hurt anyone), I find it heartwarming that so many newspapers and other media sources support individual reflections on what matters.
So, here, I offer my first of many mid-summer appreciations. At present, shaky though it is, we (the people) may still speak out and still have some degree of agency when it comes to offering ideas — and, for now, we still have our voting power to speak for us, solo and collectively.
Despite all the spite — hatred, discrimination, negativizing through all the –isms — there are still positive stories and gratitude needing space in our papers as well as in our busy and ever-changing lives. Part of what keeps me going through the extreme heat and hard political times is that there are people and things to appreciate, to respect, to care for and about, and to hope for. As such, I am dedicating this column and my next few minutes with you to give a shout-out about a few things that are good and healthy in our world and our local community.
It’s become all too easy (though deeply emotionally challenging) to write off almost all of what’s emanating from Washington DC, The White House, the Cabinet, Congress, and the Trump administration. From where I sit, very little of what is being done is working for the vast majority of U.S. citizens and the world writ large. What I appreciate here is the increase we see and hear of folks speaking and standing out, actively sharing viewpoints in stark contrast to those of the Republican Party powerplay. Seeing regular, ordinary, everyday folks speaking their minds, holding to their values, and connecting with others in so doing, fills me with some measure of gratitude. My hope is that we keep speaking our truths to their power.
And I offer thanks to the unsung among us who go to and do their jobs, day in and day out, offering services, programs, goods, and care. I recall stating as a young professor of social sciences and human services many decades ago that each of us is as likely to need the services we offer as to give them. All this still holds true — and may always be the case. I hold warmth and gratitude for their loyalty and consistency in the workplace.
For those holding forth regarding cleaning up our world and environment in the face of ongoing negativity and political fallout — carry on! The future is in (y)our hands. I have unending respect and admiration for your stalwart work and attitudes. What you do matters greatly, day in and day out, and beyond.
In the face of smothering lies and corruption, I offer gratitude to all “out there” who still know and speak the truth regardless of how it sounds or what it looks or feels like. We should never waver in maintaining honesty and openness no matter the potential or real cost of doing so. And the difficulty and price in doing so, at the cost of one’s life, should never be minimized or underestimated.
To all around us, including us, ourselves, who offer daily random acts of kindness and mindfulness, you are known and appreciated more than you may feel. Do not let the discouragement and hostility of others set back your courage and bravery to be connectors of faith and strength to others less blessed and fortunate. Your everyday superpowers of caring and healing help innumerable others to wake up every day with even a sliver of hope!
Gratitude and appreciation to all those pre-K through 12 and higher ed students who do whatever they can to make it to and through their schooling — you’re on a powerful and poignant journey to make meaning and a positive difference in the world. This goes for all those lifelong adult learners out there, too, and those who continue to exhibit keen curiosity to seek and to know, to bring wisdom into their souls and communities. As Sir Francis Bacon is known to have said, knowledge is power. And that knowledge can never be destroyed or taken away, even under the threat or penalty of death. Use your knowledge, your learning, and your “good power” well and wisely, for the benefit of all, especially those in need.
Finally, I offer my thanks to each of us who is “waking up” as opposed to being “woke” concerning the sickening realities of a present and possible future wherein the values we cherish may be the same as those that are threatened to perish. May we hold strong, hold on to one another, and use our voice, our vote, our bodies, and our full agency to bring truth, kindness, and caring into power, and not a day too soon.
Daniel Cantor Yalowitz writes a regular column in the Recorder. A developmental and intercultural psychologist, he has facilitated change in many organizations and communities around the world. His two most recent books are “Journeying with Your Archetypes” and “Reflections on the Nature of Friendship.” Reach out to him at danielcyalowitz@gmail.com.