I think that most folks will agree when I say that we are living in challenging times. Ukranians are in their 4th year of battling against Russia. The current US administration wants to own the western hemisphere like some sort of deranged real estate transaction. Tariffs are causing difficulties for many businesses and definitely add to the increased cost of goods and services for our American neighbours. As a Canadian, it feels like we are under a daily barrage of threats – and then I look to the strength of Minnesotans who are bravely fighting these threats personally, not figuratively.
I was having such difficulty thinking of a topic about which to write this month. I didn’t want to add to the darkness. On the other hand, writing something fluffy just seemed completely disingenuous.
I have read many comments from people ranging from “Stay out of politics. Just stay in your knitting lane” to “I’m just one person, what can I do?” If you know me at all, you will know that I don’t limit myself to a single lane, especially when it comes to something that will affect my friends, my family, my country’s sovereignty. I understand how overwhelming the darkness may seem. So – what can we do for one another? Be a safe place where your friends and family can share their difficulties. Be a safe place for yourself, too. Don’t hold yourself to unrealistic standards. Don’t always be the “strong, silent type”. In the darkness, do your best to bring hope, to share the light. We can do that through the written word. We can do that by making informed purchasing decisions. We can do that by supporting those who are striving to make this world a kinder, better place.
Just this week, our wonderful Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a number of affordability measures designed to help Canadians who are struggling with the rising cost of living. While this made me feel proud to be a Canadian, what made me feel even more proud were the comments from fellow Canadians who would not be benefiting from these new measures as their incomes were too high. Rather than complaining, they as a whole were saying, “I don’t qualify for the rebate. I support it anyway. I believe not every benefit has to be for me. But if it helps another Canadian, I’m 100% for it and in agreement!” (a direct quote from Angela Williams on Threads, shared with permission)
I have shared, with permission, a couple of original images by Tara Shannon, the “Rabbit and Bear” author, artist and illustrator who lives in northern Ontario. Her inspirational words combined with the simplicity of her artwork have an incredibly soothing effect for me. I hope that, through sharing, they bring some light to your day. Do be sure to give her a follow on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and Bluesky. Her website is: tarashannonwrites.com or search social media sites for "tarashannonwrites".
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