I tried to prepare myself for this, the chance the US elections would not go in the direction I hoped. But honestly I couldn’t imagine there were that many people who would elect a bully, a liar, a vindictive clown who wants to blow up the world as we know it. And yet, here we are.

So how do I cope?

This morning, I dragged myself out of bed. Thank goodness David is of like minds, and he did not turn on the news (his normal early morning routine). I opened my laptop and deleted all emails that referenced news of any sort. I responded to a text message from my former foreign exchange student from France who sent condolences, and I sat in silence trying to figure out my day, my week, my next four years.

My father was an Army officer and and a lifelong Republican. But I know he would not have voted for this lunatic. I keep asking myself, what kind of people think he is a good idea?

So my plan is this- my morning routine will not include news. My evening routine will not include news. I need to do whatever I can to avoid seeing his face, hearing idiotic words come out of his mouth. I will take long walks, go sit by the river, calm myself in yoga, and take care of myself by eating well. And I will write.

David thinks we should protest, share our views, speak up. But this introvert may, in fact, struggle to engage in the world at all. At least for a while.

Peace and love…..