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How to Deal With Existential Angst

Almost every day since the election has felt like an existential threat. My friends vary on how much news they let in. But it’s impossible to fully detach. And mostly, I think that’s a good thing. The nation needs us right now. With so much beyond our control, I love the idea of channeling the anxiety into something beautiful. With that in mind, I baked salted caramel chocolate bars over the weekend.

Laurie Anderson via Austin Kleon

Discussion

4 comments for “How to Deal With Existential Angst”

  1. karen says:

    detachment these days is truly a form of privilege and so it is one thing i am reckoning with–not detaching, staying tuned in and plugged in. I am also working really hard on correct the use of some words in myself and kindly in others–like, “unbelievable,” or “how did this happen?”

    As a white cis female, this is the first time a lot of us have been confronted with the evil that is radiating from the white house-and that’s why i try to be careful about the words I use when i watch this unfold.

    I hope the rage that is smoldering in all of us is also channeled into making phone calls and writing letters and giving what we can to the SPLC and other causes.

    In solidarity, Wendy!

    Ps. those cookies look marvelous!

  2. Petra says:

    I took the old “Fire Mike Pence” yard sign that I had during the Indiana gubernatorial run-up (when Pence was running for re-election) and put it back out in the yard. It’s important to include his name alongside Trump’s, e.g. Impeach Trump AND Pence. Having lived under Pence in Indiana, I can assure you that he is a wacko with disturbing views about women. And he’s not particularly bright, so he’s basically just a yes-man for the VERY conservative. You have to understand that I voted for his predecessor Mitch Daniels, a Republican, but this Pence disturbs me.

    On the “channeling toward good” front, I had my Gang of Five gathering at my place over the weekend (a group of five women–we’ve become close, intimate friends over the past year). It was, as usual, electrifying and soul-warming.

    And a long (for me) bike ride on Sunday–I try to do one like this weekly. It soothes me and makes me feel more optimistic about the future.

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