Helplessness

 I've been feeling so helpless lately.  I'm not usually the sort. My son thinks I'm beyond optimistic into some kind of uber-optimism, and he's not wrong. I'm usually the person who looks at the half-filled glass and says, "Wow! A drink! Let's celebrate!" 

So, here I am post-Trump election, trying to find my 'optimistic' way in what feels like overwhelming darkness.  

Especially today, when we hear about the appointment of a white supremacist to a chief advisory position.  I signed all the petitions I could find, but none of that felt like enough.  So, I googled volunteer opportunities in Saint Paul.  I found out that my local Planned Parenthood is looking for "guest escorts." Guest escorts are the people who hold women's hands as they fight their way through anti-abortion protestors.  I suspect Planned Parenthood is going to see even more of those, so I signed up.  I don't know when or if they'll even call on me.  But, I've been pledging to myself that this time I will stand up and fight.

Maybe this isn't much of standing, or much of fighting, but it's something I can actually *do.*
 
In fact, I put my name in the hat at the Minnesota Volunteer match site.  I maybe be doing a lot of little acts, because I have the luxury of time on my hands.  I don't have a lot of money to give, but I happen to be fortunate enough to have the time.  

And pretty soon I'm not going to be able to rake the yard. I need to get out and do.