The things I used to write about–travel, photography, family fun–seem trivial as I watch my country die the agonizing Death by a Thousand Cuts. It’s like staring into the sun when you know you should look away–what little I write these days always seems to circle back to Trump and the Republican Party, as they rip apart the fabric of my homeland. Like 72% of all liberals, I suffer from an actual phenomenon called Trump Anxiety. We feel helpless as we watch our social safety net destroyed, people marginalized, the poor made poorer while the obscenely rich are fed even more wealth and power by a corrupt government.
Once again I find myself writing about the agony of impotence, but it is to offer a suggestions on how to stay positive in these dark times.
Carry a camera wherever you go; search for beauty to photograph, and you will find it, even in the dark. 
Find comfort in a single ray of sunlight.
Get outside and let the soothing sensations of the natural world calm you…
…even in the rain.
Seize a moment of peace in the simplest of pleasures.
Painting by Andrew Wyeth, currently on exhibit at the Seattle Art Museum.
Like the sharing of music…
…or laughter…
…or a story.
Even just a cup of coffee.
Be social, even if it means stretching yourself…
…and you will probably be glad you did.
If you need to escape, always have a good book in hand, and the next one in mind.
Patronize businesses that embrace your values, and thank them before you leave.
If you can’t affect what happens in the White House, you can still help make your community a safe and welcoming place for everyone. The local library is a good place to start.
Help organize and participate in programs, events, and activities to make a difference where you live.
Eva Abram, Roger Fernandes, and Allison Cox tell stories of Self and Solidarity.
Join your Neighborhood Action Coalition. If you don’t have one, search out like-minded people and start one.
To alleviate the feeling of helplessness, speak out whenever you can…
…however you can…
…wherever you are.
You will discover that you are not alone.
Anger eats away at you from the inside. Love is better for your health.
Give thanks for what you have, and don’t lose hope.
Especially this time of year, it is customary to push back the darkness and
celebrate the light.
It is there.
It is there.
It is there.
And keep in mind the words of King Solomon, who said, “This too shall pass.”
©2017NaomiBaltuck
Writing Between the Lines 