Time Flies...

It’s been a while… To be fair, there has been a lot going on. Somehow though, Giving Tuesday is here once more; a day where I try to take a moment to look around and truly see those who are enduring difficulties equal to, or greater than my own. And for that moment I am outside of my own head long enough to be reminded of the blessings I have received which, admittedly, I often take for granted.

This year, however, has been particularly draining. The questionable stability of my own housing situation combined with an ever present, existential ennui, and an election overshadowed by Orwellian overtures of oppression and uncertainty has left me feeling less than joyous this holiday season. And as I find myself looking to bygone days and subjectively simpler times, I begin to grasp how seeds of societal regression are sown.

It stems from a desire to recapture that which was lost, and as a rule, people will invariably return to the last place they remember having had that which they are missing. I believe this may also be the driving force behind the recent remaking, rebooting, and reimagining of so many movies and TV shows. Of course, like most people, my opinions on the choices made regarding these productions vary. Some, choices I may agree with, while others (like the recent Crow movie), not so much. Still, I too have a choice. Should I choose not to interact with the film, my life will remain largely unaffected by the choices that the writers, producers, and directors have made.

Unfortunately, life is not a scripted production, and for a multitude of marginalized people, many are finding themselves having fewer and fewer choices as a result of decisions made by others. However, unlike the fate of an ill-advised movie release, I cannot simply decide to disengage, because winter is coming, and on some level, my life is affected by that which affects those around me. Just last Sunday, I encountered two women huddled in doorway, trying to escape the increasingly cold winds. One was in a wheelchair, the other seated on a milk crate. I had not yet prepared any kits for the season, but did still have a few hand warmers in my inside coat pocket left over from last season, which I gave to them.

Prior to my interaction with those two women, I was filled with stress over my own personal responsibilities and obligations. But afterwards, it felt as if I had allowed my sphere of anxiety to spill out of my head to encompass those around me. I found myself thinking, “How would those women be affected by changing polices?” and, “What options will remain available to them?” Now, while I do not have those answers, simply asking the questions took me out of myself long enough to remind me that sometimes small acts of kindness are the only thing that can help calm the chaos.

That being said, I will be putting together some Cocoon Kits™ this week if anyone is interested in purchasing them to give to someone they know of who is in need. Personally, I think they are a great gift idea for anyone experiencing homelessness. Although, I may be somewhat biased on the matter. Anyway, feel free to check out the following links for more information…

…and if you’d like to contribute to this newsletter, you may do so below…

As always, your support is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Here’s wishing you all a healthy and happy holiday season.

^_^