I’m not going to handle 2017 with kid gloves – it was a tough year. The crap that’s happened in government this year is enough to drive a reasonable person crazy. But as I was thinking about what my last Femimusings blog of the year should be about, I decided I wanted to end the year on a high note. I normally use this space to blow off some angry steam, but right now I will wield my blogging power for good and end this year on a positive note. Without further ado, I present to you the things I’m thankful for in 2017.
Monroe County NOW
When you’re feeling powerless in the world, do you know what one of the best things to do is? Band together with amazing people around you so you don’t feel quite so alone, that’s what.
I’m so glad I went to that call out meeting in January and I’m so happy that I have had the pleasure of meeting and working alongside so many amazing people who want to take action and do what they can to change the world around them. Plus, it’s really great to get together with people you like over wine and talk about how much Donald Trump sucks.
Robert Mueller
This one is really self-explanatory, but I feel grateful each day that there are still people in positions of power that, although ideologically may differ from me, have integrity. So, thanks, Bob – you da bomb.
Pod Save America
Want to feel like you’re not so crazy? Then I would like to recommend the podcast “Pod Save America.” It makes you angry but it also helps you know that somewhere out in the void there are millions of other people screaming silently each and every day right along with you. Plus it has such great commentary on current events and issues as well as interviews that it helps arm you with real facts when you get in discussions with your Fox-loving family members.
People of Color
I’ll admit it -- I grew up sheltered. I did not encounter a lot of diversity in my formative years, which has left me feeling awkward as an adult when faced with issues of racism in our country. I admire people of color in this country so much and whole-heartedly support the efforts we’re all trying to make together in order for the world to be a fair and equal place. And because of open and welcoming people in my life who I’ve finally felt brave enough to have tough conversations with about my own ignorance, I feel like I can be a help and not a hindrance when it comes to the struggles the people of color in this country face. So, this sheltered white girl thanks you for opening my eyes and not giving up on me.
My IUD
Another year without another baby by choice makes me grateful that I have birth control available to me that works. And I’m going to continue to fight for everyone’s access to birth control and the right to decide for themselves what they do with their own body.
2017
Lastly, I’m going to thank 2017, because it’s put distance between me and the heartbreak I endured in 2016. It was a tough year but you know what? We’re all still here, we all still have a voice, and we’re all still slowly dismantling the patriarchy one pussy hat at a time.
Here’s to a better 2018 for all of us. I wish you all a very happy New Year!