I've been so overwhelmed lately. Overwhelmed by the violence. Overwhelmed by the hate. Overwhelmed by both the "ends justify the means" political rhetoric of the man who sits in the White House and the complicit silence of Republican leaders in response. I'm an introvert, so my natural tendency when overwhelmed is to retreat. But as … Continue reading “These Are Not Times to Hide”
Month: October 2018
Tired from the Week? Try Being Still.
It's Friday and I'm tired. On days like these it's hard to write, hard to do anything except (a) think about when I may be able to fit in a nap or (b) find a quiet place to watch nature do its thing. When I take the time to be still, I experience some pretty … Continue reading Tired from the Week? Try Being Still.
Releasing the Rage
I learned to suppress my emotions at an early age. My mother was a master at such suppression and I was determined not to replicate my father's explosive temperament. For too long, women have been criticized for being "too emotional," as if passionate feelings are a bad thing. Such criticism continues to be a primary … Continue reading Releasing the Rage
Your Vote Is Your Voice
Sometimes I have trouble finding my voice as a writer--until something really bothers me. It is then, in the midst of frustration, anger, disappointment, sadness, disbelief, shock...that words flow almost effortlessly from my pen to paper. Writing is one way I use my voice. Voting is another. You may have heard that there's an election … Continue reading Your Vote Is Your Voice
Only a Survivor
In April of 2018 I published an essay about a sexual assault I experienced in college and why I stayed silent about it for 40 years. This was long before the topic of sexual assault became so politically charged. I shared my story because I wanted to let other silent survivors know they are not … Continue reading Only a Survivor
An Activist Emerges
Thank you for joining me on this journey. I have been writing since 14, when one of my favorite aunts gave me my first journal. I quickly learned a journal doesn't judge, it just accepts, embraces and listens to inner thoughts and experiences. My journal became the safest place for me to explore what it … Continue reading An Activist Emerges
Cathy Standiford 