Since the election I’ve been searching for optimism. I’ve found some.
There is optimism in people gathering round. At the market yesterday, it was a flurry of friendship as people came to me to ask questions, express their feelings and opinions.
There is optimism in a woman standing for president, and knowing more people voted for her than for her male opponent, even if she missed the win. Girls, take heart.
There is optimism in knowing we have so much work to do. Our backs are against the wall; we have to change things for the better and everyone knows it. Read this piece to see one of the first concrete calls for change.
There is optimism knowing that a presidential term is just four years, and that our system has checks and balances.
There is optimism knowing that the pendulum swings.
There is optimism in being our best selves, and laughing even when the skies darken. Read this.
There is optimism in our beliefs. Which, inevitably, brings me to food.
I believe in food. I always have. To me, this means a lot of things including that I want more farmers to be able to make a living so they have good, comfortable lives like the rest of us. We need more small farms; we need more farmers.
So I came up with a few optimistic steps, to keep us moving forward, to help effect change:
Increase visits to the farmer’s market. Money in the hand of a producer is a vote for
optimism, positive change, balance. It’s easy, and it’s fun.
If you regret that you didn’t participate enough in the campaign, don’t worry. There is going to be so much to do to keep the country on an even keel that we are all likely to get very involved.
Spend time with friends, old and new. Laugh.
Think deeply, share your thoughts.
Consider cutting your social media time in half to talk with your neighbors or call your mom.
Add fifteen minutes to your mealtimes so you can enjoy what you eat.
Keep cooking delicious things for everyone you know.
It’s almost Thanksgiving; let’s all get going.
Bon Appétit!
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