My mother taught me that when anyone's freedom is at stake, so is mine. Her fighting spirit is with me as I wait for today's U.S. election results. I hear her whisper: May love banish fear.
I guess I am a late bloomer too - got married at 38, had a kid at 40 and now at 73, still trying to decide what I want to be when I grow old (or maybe continue growing older?)
I am just here to say that your mom was fantastic being so involved in the political process and working for change. My folks weren't that involved. They had enough on their plates just keeping their working class heads above water. They were exactly the kinds of people who Kamala Harris would have been there for. Oh well.
I am so incredibly depressed at the outcome of this election. I am ashamed to have to say that I am an American to any Swede or other European that I might meet. This feels even worse than when Bush jr got elected (first time I was ashamed to admit to being American) and its definitely going to be worse than the first time around with the lying narcissist, rapist, conman, imbecile, who is about to be president once again - this time without any guardrails. I guess the only thing I can say about all that now is that I am glad I do not live in the US anymore. And I feel sorry for all my friends (and their parents, their daughters and granddaughters) who live there and who will have to suffer the repercussions of their fellow American's choices. We welcome you back to Europe.
Hi Hilarie, Thank you for this thoughtful comment, and hurrah for us late bloomers! I totally get still deciding what you want to be when you grow up. The day I finish "growing up" will be the day I am no longer here on this Earth. I am all about growth, expansion, evolving, as you know. I understand that not everyone in our parents' generation could be activists or felt the calling and that's just fine. They were living their lives and hoping the government would do well by them, voting accordingly. A simpler time, no? And yes, I get your depression at the election outcome and also the shame. But remember, those Americans who voted for Trump are not you, and they do not represent the millions of us who voted for Harris, and so I think we have to remind ourselves (and others) that America at its core is better than the man who got elected on Tuesday. I have to believe that because the alternative is true despair. I will continue to advocate for change from afar, and grateful for my privilege to be able to move to Europe.
Thank you my truly positive, optimistic friend. I unfortunately tend to go dark but I will try to remember your hopeful positive words. I guess I need to find a new mantra to replace 'The world is full of idiots'. 🫤🙄😊
Oh, Amy! I love the new logo and the pivot to follow your unfolding desire. Having followed along since you started your Substack, this feels like such a natural transition to me. I know you and I have exchanged comments recently about how we both feel the pull to stretch out more in our writing here. I think it is a testament to how dedicated you are to your craft. Change is good and change is necessary. We aren't meant to be static. I can't wait to watch you blossom into your 65th year in a new country with a full heart, clear eyes. How lucky are we to witness you pen your magic guided by mind, body and spirit. I look forward to all of it!
Thanks as always for your support Allison and for following along with me in this transition and this writing/life journey we're both on together. I couldn't agree with you more about the necessity of change for growth and expansion, and that was the main theme running through my mind on my walk this morning, channeling positive energy toward the change I wish to see in this country today. Here's to our continued connection, my friend.
And, ah! Freda! I just love how her name is the perfect companion to the word freedom. I love this tribute to her. May she pull some freedom strings for us from above.
What a powerful tribute to your mother and to the continuation of political activism in your family to honor Freda's legacy. I remember sitting in your dining room along with Frida and celebrating with her the news that Trump was indicted for one of the many crimes he had committed. Frida's spirit continues to inspire action, and I channeled her when I went canvassing for the first time in my life. Unlike you, my mother has been brainwashed by the Chinese media here to support Trump. But I also see that she's prone to this brainwashing because she grew up being brainwashed by Mao. Although she hates the CCP now, she didn't realize a government run by T would be no different than the authoritarian government in China. I know that she believes in exceptionalism and even as an immigrant, is holding on to that tiny sliver of hope that T and the Republicans lured her into believing -- that by banishing all the illegal immigrants in this country, her interests would be protected. I did a last-minute effort to translate into Chinese the specific Harris' policies that will benefit the elderly like her. I texted it to her and her friends. Not having much hope that it would change their minds (she hasn't responded). But at least I tried. I'm now sitting on thorns (a Turkish expression my Turkish friend shared with me today) re: the election results.
I love your new expanded rendition of 3D and the ever-expanding vision that you've created for yourself, allowing, unfolding and blooming. Today's "Book of Awakening" entry coincides with your theme!
I am so grateful for this thoughtful comment Louisa and appreciate that you went out canvassing on behalf of our democratic election process. It is interesting to hear about your mother and the way in which culture influences us, and sadly, the propensity of some Americans, including immigrants, to fall prey to conspiracy theories and the brainwashing of which you speak. I appreciate your last-minute effort to convey important messages to your Mom and her friends. You've done everything you could! Now, we have to sit on the thorns (apt phrase!) and see what happens.
Thanks for your support of my vision of how it is never too late to unfold into our full bloom. And I agree, in the Book of Awakening, Mark Nepo had perfectly timed advice as always.
Hi Amy! I enjoyed reading about your mom's devotion to political action. My family was not engaged. We rarely talked politics to my recollection. I started getting active in my early teens. My grandmother would have been thrilled to vote for Hilary and Kamala. I'm holding the memory of her and your mom in my heart today. Here we go! xo
Thanks so much Nan for reading and for stopping in with a comment. I applaud your early activism even without family role models in political activism. I see your grandmother and my mother fist-bumping and sending all the positive vibes our way for the outcome we desire today. Hold steady and strong, my friend.
It is exciting, yes, but pins-and-needles excitement. If you need some lovely reassurance one of my favorite places to be is in the company of Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach and Amanda Doyle on the podcast "We Can Do Hard Things." Yesterday they had Pete Buttigieg, "Mayor Pete," on in an extraordinarily honest and comforting conversation about fighting against the tribalism that has ripped this country apart, urging each one of us to talk human to human with each other, especially with that relative who has said they won't vote or may vote for the other side. To say: "I am afraid and I need help. This is why I am worried about myself and my family." And today they'll have Elizabeth Warren on the show. We're not in this alone.
Cool! Everyone in my family is voting for KH. At least the ones I'm in touch with. The ones I'm not won't be convinced to shift. Too bad for them. We can only do what we can do. I'm going to enjoy this day. xo
After a spontaneous decision, I will be spending 8 December days in Germany with two besties to celebrate my 70th birthday. Your words have switched my on-off button. I see now that no matter how long it has taken me to live my authentic life, there is no expiry date on embracing joy and “Other “Ds” like “desire,” “dreams,” and “discovery” . Sending a warm hug of hope for democracy from a Canadian fan.
Thank you so much Jo-Anne. This comment made my heart swell! So glad my words got that button to switch "on," and a huge YESSS! to that amazing birthday gift to yourself. No expiry date indeed on our dreams. And I appreciate your positive Canadian warm hug of hope. If the election doesn't turn out as many of us hope, you may find your country inundated by a number of your neighbors:-)
Great post, Amy! I fear for this election like never before but try to remain positive and proactive no matter the results. Congratulations on the life pivot to Europe…you gotta go where the road leads you!
Thanks Donna, it is hard work to banish the fear, but when so much of the opponent's negative energy is driven by fear we just have to pump up the love. I appreciate the good wishes for my pivot to Europe and for following my desires where ever they lead me.
Oh Amy, I'm so happy for you to be moving to Barcelona, not only to be in such a vibrant city, also, closer to your daughters. Oh how I ache to leave the US, I haven't resonated here for 20 years. But as unpartnered, no children, currently caring for my mom (though she moves to Assisted Living next week) I feel less able to make a move with all the complexities of red-tape plus lower income these past 3 years. Maybe somehow the UNICEF Ghana Consultancy will bloom and that could be a doorway out...
I would so very much like to visit you. I cheer you on. Maybe in Barcelona, I'll finally get to see the inside of Sagrada Familia!🙏🩷
You most certainly will visit me in Barcelona dear Kristin. I will send rainbows & moonbeams out into the universe for an opportunity to bloom in your future so you may live where your heart & soul desires.
Hi Amy,
I guess I am a late bloomer too - got married at 38, had a kid at 40 and now at 73, still trying to decide what I want to be when I grow old (or maybe continue growing older?)
I am just here to say that your mom was fantastic being so involved in the political process and working for change. My folks weren't that involved. They had enough on their plates just keeping their working class heads above water. They were exactly the kinds of people who Kamala Harris would have been there for. Oh well.
I am so incredibly depressed at the outcome of this election. I am ashamed to have to say that I am an American to any Swede or other European that I might meet. This feels even worse than when Bush jr got elected (first time I was ashamed to admit to being American) and its definitely going to be worse than the first time around with the lying narcissist, rapist, conman, imbecile, who is about to be president once again - this time without any guardrails. I guess the only thing I can say about all that now is that I am glad I do not live in the US anymore. And I feel sorry for all my friends (and their parents, their daughters and granddaughters) who live there and who will have to suffer the repercussions of their fellow American's choices. We welcome you back to Europe.
Kram,
Hilarie
Hi Hilarie, Thank you for this thoughtful comment, and hurrah for us late bloomers! I totally get still deciding what you want to be when you grow up. The day I finish "growing up" will be the day I am no longer here on this Earth. I am all about growth, expansion, evolving, as you know. I understand that not everyone in our parents' generation could be activists or felt the calling and that's just fine. They were living their lives and hoping the government would do well by them, voting accordingly. A simpler time, no? And yes, I get your depression at the election outcome and also the shame. But remember, those Americans who voted for Trump are not you, and they do not represent the millions of us who voted for Harris, and so I think we have to remind ourselves (and others) that America at its core is better than the man who got elected on Tuesday. I have to believe that because the alternative is true despair. I will continue to advocate for change from afar, and grateful for my privilege to be able to move to Europe.
Thank you my truly positive, optimistic friend. I unfortunately tend to go dark but I will try to remember your hopeful positive words. I guess I need to find a new mantra to replace 'The world is full of idiots'. 🫤🙄😊
I'll help you find it, promise!
Oh, Amy! I love the new logo and the pivot to follow your unfolding desire. Having followed along since you started your Substack, this feels like such a natural transition to me. I know you and I have exchanged comments recently about how we both feel the pull to stretch out more in our writing here. I think it is a testament to how dedicated you are to your craft. Change is good and change is necessary. We aren't meant to be static. I can't wait to watch you blossom into your 65th year in a new country with a full heart, clear eyes. How lucky are we to witness you pen your magic guided by mind, body and spirit. I look forward to all of it!
Thanks as always for your support Allison and for following along with me in this transition and this writing/life journey we're both on together. I couldn't agree with you more about the necessity of change for growth and expansion, and that was the main theme running through my mind on my walk this morning, channeling positive energy toward the change I wish to see in this country today. Here's to our continued connection, my friend.
And, ah! Freda! I just love how her name is the perfect companion to the word freedom. I love this tribute to her. May she pull some freedom strings for us from above.
I hadn't thought about Freda and Freedom, but you are exactly right about that! She will pull every string she can, believe me.
Let Freda ring! ❤️
What a powerful tribute to your mother and to the continuation of political activism in your family to honor Freda's legacy. I remember sitting in your dining room along with Frida and celebrating with her the news that Trump was indicted for one of the many crimes he had committed. Frida's spirit continues to inspire action, and I channeled her when I went canvassing for the first time in my life. Unlike you, my mother has been brainwashed by the Chinese media here to support Trump. But I also see that she's prone to this brainwashing because she grew up being brainwashed by Mao. Although she hates the CCP now, she didn't realize a government run by T would be no different than the authoritarian government in China. I know that she believes in exceptionalism and even as an immigrant, is holding on to that tiny sliver of hope that T and the Republicans lured her into believing -- that by banishing all the illegal immigrants in this country, her interests would be protected. I did a last-minute effort to translate into Chinese the specific Harris' policies that will benefit the elderly like her. I texted it to her and her friends. Not having much hope that it would change their minds (she hasn't responded). But at least I tried. I'm now sitting on thorns (a Turkish expression my Turkish friend shared with me today) re: the election results.
I love your new expanded rendition of 3D and the ever-expanding vision that you've created for yourself, allowing, unfolding and blooming. Today's "Book of Awakening" entry coincides with your theme!
I am so grateful for this thoughtful comment Louisa and appreciate that you went out canvassing on behalf of our democratic election process. It is interesting to hear about your mother and the way in which culture influences us, and sadly, the propensity of some Americans, including immigrants, to fall prey to conspiracy theories and the brainwashing of which you speak. I appreciate your last-minute effort to convey important messages to your Mom and her friends. You've done everything you could! Now, we have to sit on the thorns (apt phrase!) and see what happens.
Thanks for your support of my vision of how it is never too late to unfold into our full bloom. And I agree, in the Book of Awakening, Mark Nepo had perfectly timed advice as always.
Hi Amy! I enjoyed reading about your mom's devotion to political action. My family was not engaged. We rarely talked politics to my recollection. I started getting active in my early teens. My grandmother would have been thrilled to vote for Hilary and Kamala. I'm holding the memory of her and your mom in my heart today. Here we go! xo
Thanks so much Nan for reading and for stopping in with a comment. I applaud your early activism even without family role models in political activism. I see your grandmother and my mother fist-bumping and sending all the positive vibes our way for the outcome we desire today. Hold steady and strong, my friend.
I’m with you! We’re in there. It’s happening! I love election day, even when I’m nervous about the possible outcome. xoxo
It is exciting, yes, but pins-and-needles excitement. If you need some lovely reassurance one of my favorite places to be is in the company of Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach and Amanda Doyle on the podcast "We Can Do Hard Things." Yesterday they had Pete Buttigieg, "Mayor Pete," on in an extraordinarily honest and comforting conversation about fighting against the tribalism that has ripped this country apart, urging each one of us to talk human to human with each other, especially with that relative who has said they won't vote or may vote for the other side. To say: "I am afraid and I need help. This is why I am worried about myself and my family." And today they'll have Elizabeth Warren on the show. We're not in this alone.
Cool! Everyone in my family is voting for KH. At least the ones I'm in touch with. The ones I'm not won't be convinced to shift. Too bad for them. We can only do what we can do. I'm going to enjoy this day. xo
I love that attitude, Nan!
After a spontaneous decision, I will be spending 8 December days in Germany with two besties to celebrate my 70th birthday. Your words have switched my on-off button. I see now that no matter how long it has taken me to live my authentic life, there is no expiry date on embracing joy and “Other “Ds” like “desire,” “dreams,” and “discovery” . Sending a warm hug of hope for democracy from a Canadian fan.
Thank you so much Jo-Anne. This comment made my heart swell! So glad my words got that button to switch "on," and a huge YESSS! to that amazing birthday gift to yourself. No expiry date indeed on our dreams. And I appreciate your positive Canadian warm hug of hope. If the election doesn't turn out as many of us hope, you may find your country inundated by a number of your neighbors:-)
Great post, Amy! I fear for this election like never before but try to remain positive and proactive no matter the results. Congratulations on the life pivot to Europe…you gotta go where the road leads you!
Your mother sounds amazing. I believe in a few years I’ll be free to do what I want and hope I still have the courage!
Thank you. She was amazing. And perhaps you are more free now than you realize. I believe you'll have the courage. It's there in all of us.
Thanks Donna, it is hard work to banish the fear, but when so much of the opponent's negative energy is driven by fear we just have to pump up the love. I appreciate the good wishes for my pivot to Europe and for following my desires where ever they lead me.
Oh Amy, I'm so happy for you to be moving to Barcelona, not only to be in such a vibrant city, also, closer to your daughters. Oh how I ache to leave the US, I haven't resonated here for 20 years. But as unpartnered, no children, currently caring for my mom (though she moves to Assisted Living next week) I feel less able to make a move with all the complexities of red-tape plus lower income these past 3 years. Maybe somehow the UNICEF Ghana Consultancy will bloom and that could be a doorway out...
I would so very much like to visit you. I cheer you on. Maybe in Barcelona, I'll finally get to see the inside of Sagrada Familia!🙏🩷
You most certainly will visit me in Barcelona dear Kristin. I will send rainbows & moonbeams out into the universe for an opportunity to bloom in your future so you may live where your heart & soul desires.
Thank you dear one.🙏🩷🤗
PS. Trying hard to hold onto hope.
Let’s hold on for dear life & always remember we have each other and may the intrinsic goodness of people prevail today.
Welcome back to Europe, Amy. ☺
Thanks Ron; I am very excited about the move and more frequent visits to Stockholm!