As Told by Brandt

I wrote my initial blog on this site in October 2020.  I didn’t realize then, what was to come.  I’ve written plenty about life, love (in so many forms), addiction, and how to navigate this world with “worst case scenario” scenarios.  Survival is not hyperbole.  Small victories are total successes.  I take little for granted these days.  I say “I love you” with every opportunity.  When I say it, I fucking mean it.  I have vague recollections of last November.  My memory isn’t good anymore.  This is grief in its purest form.  Minutes, days, weeks, and months run together like my sentences.  Perfect scenarios are not possible anymore.  The smallest stresses or worries create real obstacles.  Large problems seem insurmountable.  With that, Tuesday our country is electing new officials.  What was once a difference in philosophy, has turned into civil unrest, not seen since the 1860’s. 

This blog is not to attempt to sway your vote.  Moreover, it’s about steps I think we can all take to survive the election.  The following is my checklist:

• VOTE
• Be true to myself
• Be kind to myself
• Practice loving words
  • I am going nuts on Twitter.  This is a self-check.  It’s not successful.  I go back to what people have told me about resentments:  It’s like drinking the poison and hoping the other person will die
• Stay off the internet
  • Harder for me as I use Facebook for the purpose of my blog
  • After the election, my blog will only be available on www.astoldbybrandt.com for a while.
• Accept the results
  • I am scared because I know how this is going.  I need to accept the will of the people
• Never stop fighting for decency
  • Spewing insults is not the way.  It’s never the way.  I need to heed my own advice
• Breathe
  • This shit works
• Move
  • I am not one who can go the gym 7 days a week, but I can move my body
• Eat well
• Hydrate
• Sleep

The internet is a sneaky enemy of human interaction.  We have instant access to everything.  Why us real human interaction so hard?  Call a friend.  Meet him/her/them for a walk.  Go for a coffee.  Check out a local restaurant.  Donate your time to a cause.  So, if you are struggling dealing with “election season”, help someone.  It’s the best way to get out of yourself.  Love Y’all!