I know. We elected people who we thought would do a good job for us, then we went back to our daily lives and didn't pay attention to what they were actually doing.
It is frustrating and infuriating on so many levels.
I know it is. When my nephew volunteered for the Marines after 9/11...I apologized for not giving him peace in his time. Eight years later and I am packing "time capsules" for his children. Sometimes I think about that bug out bag in the corner...What have I done!?
But, yeah there is a but, I realize the place we've arrived at wasn't the intended destination and I've apoligized now for my mistake, misdirection, and stupidity. That is only half the battle though, now knowing where we went wrong and setting the matters straight are my responsiblity.
That means for me:
1. Being prepared for what is coming.
2. No longer compromising my principles at election time for a fancy (R). The (R)'s will either get it or continue as they are. I won't contribute to that.
3. Reaching out to my friends and neighbors, silent no more.
Today I took that first step just like that article I posted earlier today encourages us to do. And I didn't let it be just my own little thing...instructions were sent out to my Patriots Hotline to do the same.
Do you know your neighbor's? If not, this might be a great time to drop by with an offering of Holiday Cookies, Basket of Fruits, even a box of donuts in red/green icing! The point isn't the "gift" it is the getting to know. Your chore this week is to get to know, by name, 5 neighbors. If you do know your neighbor's then the holiday visit will be just that...a holiday visit.
On the outs with a neighbor? Perhaps this action might be a way to "mend fences," "bury the hatchet," or at least mellow a bit with each other. The important thing with this kind of holiday cheer visit, is to not be offended if you get snubbed. You just learned something very valuable, should a crisis strike, about your neighbor.
Action today:
I nervously put together a few cookie plates, even splurged and bought the pretty crystal ones at the grocery store. I put together a box of holiday donuts for the family a few doors down, as I thought she could use them Christmas morning, while gifts were being unwrapped. Then, with my tote bag I took a deep breath and stepped out onto my cold porch stoop. For a split second I thought about forgetting the whole idea and eating my holiday treats myself....but man would that pack on the pounds...so another deep breath and I knocked on the first door...
Whew! I did it!!! And you know what I feel really good about extending my circle of friends in the neighborhood.
Doors that wouldn't normally open, opened. Frowning faces turned to smiles and hearty welcomes. Even the DOGS seemed much friendlier with wagging tails and happy eyes. ---------------------------------------------------------