All that anger out there and mine internally just ain’t working.

I’ve been struggling for weeks feeling overwhelmed when I wake up in the morning by all the conflicts and challenges in the world today. The big ones are getting bigger. Ukraine is fighting valiantly and the Republicans in the House are fighting to see who can be Trump’s favorite, scuttling for weeks any discussion of possible aid. The war against Hamas continues without any progress as to what should happen when it is all over if that is even possible. And now Iran has launched its own barrage of missiles and drones against Israel threatening to broaden that war to the whole Middle East. And you can see how dated this is. That seems like an eon ago.

Here in the United States Trump continues to assault our judicial system with one appeal or feint after another. And now the bond in his fraud case may also turn out to be a fraud as the ultimate guarantor is in the Cayman Island. Locally, politics aren’t much better.

In many ways I realize all these BIG things on the outside only distract from struggles I face internally. Easier to see the spot on the other guys face than on your own. But whether the causes are inside or outside is moot when the results are the same. Weeks ago my eczema came back. Not the worst, mostly rashes on my arm. Same as I had four years ago. A prescription salve helped then and is helping now. Just another example of shit happening – cause unknown. “Take two aspirin and call me in the morning.” Why bother calling in the morning when all you get is an answering program leading you down a maze of press this number and then press another number. Amazing that more phones aren’t launched into outer space! I know you’ve all been there, done that.

But if not now – when? After writing about kindness I wanted to consider equality. Find positive ways to address “All men are created equal” found in our Declaration of Independence. I soon realized that equality doesn’t mean the same thing for everyone. History has proven that again and again. Ditto for how we treat each other every day.

Driving any time in almost any city is dangerous. During rush hour it’s life threatening. It seems as if no one cares about traffic lights, stop signs, or speed limits. Courteous driving? What’s that? There are times when I wish I was in a tank when I came to an intersection. “Want to run the light, buddy? GO AHEAD – make my day!”

Made me think. All that anger out there and mine internally just ain’t working. I’ve got the red rashes to prove it. I can’t change much, certainly not the big things out there. So, little by little I’ve come back to some of the basics that were in front of my nose in those simpler times. Maybe even pre-COVID times when I first started sharing some thoughts on Havok. Basics. Teeny-tiny steps – better make that “crawl” before I run. Basics and little things. Going to preach to myself to do some of that. If I forget, then maybe I’ll make up some post-its.

Do the little things. When you wake in the morning, remember to breathe slowly and look out the window. Find something nice. Maybe there’s a pleasant tree you can see, or a bird chirping. Funny looking clouds in the sky – or maybe none. Smile. Keep the happy thought with you when you go to the bathroom and splash water on your face. If you’re like me after I wake up, squint at the mirror – it’s good for at least a chuckle. Ouch, my morning face is usually  full of snarls when diddly-squat has yet to happen.

How about doing something nice for the first person you meet after get dressed. Say “HI” and really mean it. (Next week, we’ll up the anté – make them a cup of tea or coffee!)

Out and about later in the day? I haven’t forgotten about one of my earliest campaigns. See any ugly litter? Don’t curse, just pick it up if possible and dispose of properly. Guess what? You’ve just made the world a better place and made my day. Let’s try to remember it’s a lot of little things that can make or break a civilization.  

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Ken was a Professor of Mathematics, a ceramicist, a welder, and an IBMer until downsized in 2000. He taught yoga until COVID-19 decided otherwise. He continues writing, living with his wife and beagle in Shorewood, Wisconsin. He enjoys chamber music and mysteries. He’s a homebrewer and runs whitewater rivers. Ken is a writer and his literary works can be found at https://www.kmkbooks.com/

He welcomes feedback on his articles and can be reached at havokjournal@havokmedia.com.

As the Voice of the Veteran Community, The Havok Journal seeks to publish a variety of perspectives on a number of sensitive subjects. Unless specifically noted otherwise, nothing we publish is an official point of view of The Havok Journal or any part of the U.S. government.