Out of control - or not? 🤔
🚘 I’m not driving fast to a dentist appointment on a typical Vermont winter day when I feel a familiar slipping beneath me that demands my full attention. I gently touch the brakes, noting to self: don’t oversteer. I’m aware that I’m going downhill and I’m not going any slower. In fact, I’m sliding into the other lane. Good thing no one is coming. I stay calm, reminding myself that I’m good at steering out of a skid. But this is not any skid. Now I’m fishtailing. OH. There’s nothing I can do to stop this one. I’m out of control. I hold onto the wheel and wonder what will happen next.
Whomp!
The pace of executive orders, startling statements, and dramatic changes in the US today feels out of control. But is it? What's within my control? Yours? Our elected officials? World leaders?
I pace myself taking in the news and choose how and when I will consume information. I have to. In 2016 I was diligent in my daily listening and verifying and writing and researching and reflecting. Not so today. I can and I need to go 2-3 days at times without any news. The apocalypse hasn't happened during my news fast.
If you've been reading my newsletters for a while, you know that I’m not political per se. But my lane is supporting people who have been impacted by cultic, coercive dynamics. When these patterns play out on national and world stages, I have to say or do something. And I have to write.
🚘 I’m grateful it’s a soft snowbank. I realize the engine has stalled. I’m on the wrong side of the road, but facing downhill. It might be possible to pull out of this.
I take a deep breath, turn on the ignition, straighten the wheel, and slowly ease out of the snow, careful to not spin the tires. I steer onto the road and head downhill towards town. My hands are shaking. I drive slowly and am only two minutes late for my appointment.
How do we know what is TRULY beyond our control? An out of control moment can feel like an eternity - but it’s not. My lesson from the road is: keep breathing, because in just another second or two, it will change. And it will be time to take action. What action is within your capacity today?
Keep your hands on the wheel, don’t give up.
Please hit reply. Your words matter. How will you nurture them?
Consider coming to Friday's Writing to Reckon class or registering for the symposium. I'll be so glad to see you.
Warmly,
Gerette
PS: Today, I cancelled appointments and drove to my state capital to protest the cultic, coercive techniques being delivered by the highest office in our land. I wore my “A Little Bit Culty’ hat and felt inspired by the many people who showed up despite the frigid temps. My favorite sign was: Education over Indoctrination.
PPS: My friend and colleague Hoyt Richards initiated a critically important conversation about cult dynamics in the cult recovery space with Jon Atack. Don’t be deterred by the misleading title and image. It’s an impactful discussion. I’d love to hear your thoughts on it!!
