Despite living in Maryland I did not attend the Women’s March the other weekend. And surprisingly to many, I did not knit a single pink hat (although my Mom asked me to knit her one after the march and I intend to do that). In all honesty, living and working this close to the White House (when I step outside my office I have a bird’s eye view of the White House) is exhausting and this last week has been a doozy to say the least. So when I can’t handle it all I retreat and when I retreat I knit.
I’ve honestly felt like Jellybean here, wanting to bury my head in knitting. Wanting to turn off the news for a bit and just forget about everything that’s scaring me right now. It’s overwhelming and it’s only been a week! It’s probably why I’m on my 4th sweater of the month.
I’m knitting instead of marching. I’m checking in on friends affected by the latest executive orders. I’m donating to all the causes I believe in because if I don’t protest the least I can do is donate. I’m doing what I can without losing my mind. I’m trying not to be overwhelmed. So I hope you are doing the same too.
I’ll still be here, sharing in this space, trying to hold on to the good parts of life even when it feels like there’s a lot of bad taking over.
Yards of Happiness 
When the title of your post popped up in my email, I thought – Oh, thank goodness! Dana is going to tell me something that will help. And you know what? You did. It helps knowing that you’re out there knitting too, and it helps knowing I can keep coming to this space to see all your wonderful pictures and hear what you’re up do, and it helps knowing that you’re out there putting one foot in front of the other like I’m trying to do. Thank you for the wonderful gift of your blog. 💗💗💗
I almost didn’t write this but then I said there have to be other people out there feeling the way I feel. I had to tell my husband the other day that I can’t do the news 24-7 like he does, I need a break. It’s overwhelming and I just want to stay positive and find ways to stay afloat. So I knit and I give and I knit. It’s all I can do right now.
I’m glad you did write it. What you’re doing is significant even if it doesn’t change the great big picture. I’m pretty sure the differences that matter start with individuals anyway.
Amen!
The social climate is painfully hostile and I feel much like you do. I’ll keep doing what I can from quietly behind the scenes for the causes I support but I’ve cut myself off from Facebook because the constant toxic posts eat away at me, and I can’t bear to watch the news. So like you, I’ll knit.
It’s overwhelming, so I encourage folks that tell me they feel that way to disconnect and do what you can.
I get it! I participated in [one of the sister marches, here, in Chicago] – and I’m glad that I did but the first week of a new administration has already been mentally and emotionally challenging. There is much to do; there will continue to be much to do. We have to pace ourselves, take care of ourselves, and our loved ones, and stay creative. Keep on knitting’!
unfortunately its only just beginning . . . keep on knitting, sisterKnitters (DWJ & KnitPotion)! Comments from Leslie and KnitPotion encapsulated the way I’ve been feeling as well 🙂 Well stated, ladies
🙂
I’m very sorry for all you’re going through but happy to hear that you have an outlet. I’m scared of the news as well, in my own country (Poland) the new government is working hard to destroy everything that has been rebuilt since the fall of the communism, and dismantling democracy and constitution. Then there is Brexit, nationalism raising in Europe again, the terrors of the Syria war and now the USA… I keep crocheting and knitting like crazy too and it certainly helps in a way. Because we create instead of destroying. Be strong, many supportive thoughts from Ireland!
Thank you for holding the line in the way(s) that make most sense for you, and for your words of encouragement to all of us. I didn’t march (scared of re-injuring the broken arm), and I didn’t make any pink hats, but I’m widening the range of knitted gifts and thinking about how this activity that keeps me sane may also help others whom I do not yet know. I agree, the daily news cycle is terrifying. I can only imagine what it must be like to live right on top of the source of all this madness. Please look after yourself as best you can and do keep posting. Yours for an open, loving Knitters’ Nation!
I can so understand you! I live far away in Switzerland and nothing that’s happening in the USA is affecting me right now, so far. But I am very concerned and also a bit scared and I am totally overwhelmed by it all. I’ve been trying to read as much as possible and find ways to change something, but I have also decided that I need to take care of my sanity by not reading everything, because it’s so easy to get lost in all this madness. I am very happy that there are still places like your blog that show me nice pictures of woolies which is so much better for my health.
Isn’t yarn better for everyone’s health? 😉
I think we all need to find the ways to support our communities while still honouring our own needs (like the need to nest). I was in DC, and I was lucky to have both my parents, my partner, my son’s girlfriend and his best friend march with us. I marched for people who are as in shock as I am but weren’t there for whatever reason. We’re all doing what we can.
Like you told me recently, self care is important. Do what you need to do to keep yourself well throughout all this chaos.
Thank you Dana.
I haven’t wanted to log on much because I’m just sooooo sad at what is happening to our country. My last straw was the confirmation of the Education Secretary. We’ll get through this but we will go through hell. I miss President Obama so much!
I know and seeing those pics of Obama on vacation yesterday…man I want him back. But we will persevere! I just have to keep the faith.