Looking for the Light

Do you remember why you are resisting?

Friday, February 28, 2025
10:30 am

Today, I decided to take one day away from all my social media and news apps, and intentionally seek the light. I chose to focus on the positive things that quietly await my attention, beyond the chaos gripping our country right now, and truly take the time to see. It is still ongoing, but I wanted to share how my morning went and encourage you to do the same.

5:40 am

I meet my husband just outside the bathroom door, ready to swap places as we do every weekday getting ready for work. He rises first and showers, greeting me with a hug and “good morning.” “How’d you sleep?” one of us asks the other as we keep our hug for ten seconds or more. Kisses to his neck are followed by kisses on my lips and I know I am loved. And lucky. In this historical moment of chaos and coups, I am not alone.

6:10 am

Finishing in the bathroom, I step out and am met by the big brown eyes of my sweet rescue dog, Abe. He’s a ridiculous combination of English Bulldog, Springer Spaniel, and Labrador Retriever. And incredibly doofy and loveable. He knows our routine and waits on the bed until I turn off the bathroom light and head into the bedroom. “It’s time to eat!” His tail wags to remind me. That’s his joy: food (and butt scratches.) He feels no pain knowing his government is trying to erase human identities in this country.

6:20 am

My husband and I dance a familiar pattern in the kitchen as we work around each other preparing our lunches for the day. I am thankful for these routines and constants in my home. When he leaves, we embrace again and do a quick check to confirm he has his things: Doorbadge? Smartwatch? Water jug? Phone? Keys? and we say one more “I love you” to each other as he steps out the door. During this daily shitstorm of oligarchy and lawlessness, barring any unforeseen circumstances, I will come home to that peace at the end of my day.

6:40 am

I glance out my dining-room window to see the snow-dusted hills to the West of me turning purple as the rising sun tickles them with her feathering light. “Wake up, wake up! It’s a new day!”, she seems to speak to the hills. “We’re still here. You’re still here.” The hills know nothing of politics and government and they demonstrate how to sit in peace and absorb her rays. I closed my eyes and let her bathe me in her purity.

6:45 am

I hear my beloved crow couple in the cedar tree outside my window reminding me they are ready for their daily water and snacks. Stepping out my backdoor, I look up. “Good morning, friends.” Their heads tilt from above as they watch me set out their nuts and fresh water. Before I step fully back inside, one of them is already at the feeder while the other plays lookout, cawing messages to reassure their mate they are safe while they nibble and drink.

6:55 am

And then, just before I leave the house from work, I spot a text message from my dear friend,

Kim Pitts

. “Joy is rebellion. If we don’t give ourselves permission to find joy, will we remember why we are resisting?”

What light are you finding today, friends? I want to hear about your joy, too.

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