This week's readings within The Impossible Will Take A While by Paul R. Loeb were interconnected with the overarching themes of tragedy, humor, realization, and hope. The string of emotions that were embedded within each story made me both hesitant and hopeful. Hesitant because, for example in Goska's chapter, "Political Paralysis," we read about the author's uncomfortable experience of a frustrated woman saying in a church group, "I want to do something, but what can I do?... The world is so screwed up, and I have so little power. I feel so paralyzed" (Loeb 60). This was problematic for the woman to say because the author experiences excruciating pain from a paralyzing illness called Perilymph fistula, where amidst a reality of being paralyzed with uncertainty, they still realize and seek out the little things in life that truly make for a just, virtuous life. I feel hesitant because what if I have said similar things as the woman in the church group? While I do agree that using the words paralyzed as an able-bodied person to express "powerlessness" in the actions to change our current world state is a no no, I too have expressed self-doubt as an input for social and environmental change. Through the article, though, my hesitation fades because of the intricate and wholesome stories of casual people doing virtuous deeds to accumulate into a pot of social change. This pertains to my current state in life because I have recently been going through my own personal issues. I don't want to dive deep into my current mental and emotional state, but when you are experiencing a rough patch in life both personally and socially, it is really hard to see anything you're doing as a positive input for change. Through this week's readings, though, I reminded myself that I will always have hope for not only the future of our social, economic, and environmental state, but my own being. I think back to a couple of days ago where one of my friends who moved away asked me to do him a favor of buying someone here flowers for their birthday. I of course said yes because what a lovely deed to be a part of. It's moments where we connect to those around us to fully understand small notions for change because of the simplicity of doing small, kind, virtuous acts. While I may have said statements like the woman in the church group did in the past, that doesn't mean we become static to that mindset. There are ups and downs, and somedays it feels like the world will turn to greed and negativity, but the realization of humble, virtuous actions can make all the difference to a hopeful planet. While I may feel like I am stuck within a pit of despair and negativity, as I breath and take baby steps in our vulnerable planet, I begin to see hope again. I've never been the type of activist to put everything on the line and JUST DO IT, but that's ok, we need all kinds of activists and persons in the midst of social change.
__________________________ on a different note _______________________________
Toys and Babeland! I LOVE LOVE LOVE THE WAY SHERMAN ALEXIE WRITES. After reading his chapter, "Do Not Go Gentle," I felt the same way I do after running around the beach, petting a friendly doggo friend (simply a dog), or seeing a good movie, just overall hopeful and happy. The humor he sprinkles within his tragic experience gives us chills as a reader because amidst unfair and tragic situations, there is still hope according to Alexie. Something as erotic as a vibrator can be a tool for hope and human connections where, "everything is stuffed to the brim with ideas and love and hope and magic and dreams (Loeb 199). I laughed out loud when reading his story, held my hand close to my hear to his personal anecdotes, and hopefully dreamed for a better future. It truly shows how invigorating creative, strong writing is. When a writer is truthful, the readers are on the same page and are able to grasp what they are giving. What I take from Alexie's writing in terms of my current mental state, just keep going and be open. Let negativity and anger come, but realize the importance in doing what makes you feel healthy and hopeful. For example, when Alexie overheard the horrible conversation in the bathroom regarding a grieving mother, he found salvation through Chocolate Thunder and its glory. That is what made him feel good and amidst the negativity in the bathroom, he remained hopeful with the help of his wife and the vibrator. Again, while I may be in a funk of mental distress, if I begin to find what helps me grow and become hopeful, I can see the distress as an experience amidst my change. To that I say, all hail the sun, good beer, and best friends!
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TO ALL MY ENST PEEPS:
Source Cited: Loeb, Paul Rogat. The Impossible Will Take a Little While: Perseverance and Hope in Troubled times. 2014. Print.
fabulous stuff as always Lauren.
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