I felt really down today, really down.

The Statue of Liberty popped into my thoughts.
She will outlast Trump and his arsenal of assholes.

We have to be ready to say her words out loud and remember that we beleive in Liberty and Justice for ALL.

With all the politics buzzing around the lies finally hit me where it counts. My Bob Evans Garlic Mashed Potatoes claimed to feed 4-5... but it only ended up feeding 1

I don't know who you are...

You might be a schmuck.

I still hope you find happiness and meaning every day

Laws are in a sense supposed to guide our lives in the safest and logical way, but they currently do not do this at all. They have been twisted and are now weaponized to the highest bidder. I can respect my idea of Law, while also recognizing that working within them now does nothing.

It's not always easy, but try to offer an alternative when requesting a program/law/system to change. People tend to favor continuing a system they know is bad rather than stopping for the unknown.

Accountability is Key!
Accept that the things in your life have happened because of the choices you have made, stop blaming others... then realize this works toward your wins.
Your wins are your own and you deserve credit for them, so take it!

Take care of yourself (basic needs/safety) before you take care of others. I know this sounds selfish, but it is the only way to provide sustained help to others. If you burn out, then no one gets help. When your own needs are taken care of you also have increased clarity/less distraction.

Even more, when we start down that journey we build a story, a shared history.

You do not ever have to forgive anyone, the important part is that over time you are able to focus on yourself, and less dwelling on what someone did to you.

Plus, remember that you survived, and you have experience for the future.