A powerful B-Shot of energy is running through the USA. The positive energy is palpable and although we're in for a fight, we will win! As I stated in a post a couple weeks back, in the blink of an eye, I swung from feeling despondent and frightened to elated and encouraged. And thank you, Joe! The above photo shows a renewed energy and joy after an acceptance to the Prague Summer Program for Writers. There were similar feelings at that time since I was in the middle of an extended medical ordeal with breast cancer leading me to feelings of depression and fear. Landing in Prague back in 2016 when I had a rough draft of my book, I felt an exuberance I hadn't felt in years as I embarked on a new adventure. It was hot and after long travel and a cool shower, I walked onto the Charles Bridge and nearly fell to my knees in gratitude to not only be alive but traveling for creative purpose. It was also a rollercoaster ride of emotions as it has been as an advocate for Democracy.
As a writer who works hard and deals with rejection (as all writers do), I go from doubt to acknowledging myself as a bona fide author. A 9th essay, "Reconstruction" from my book was
recently published in LIGHT4ph (Leaders Igniting Generational Healing 4 public health) and it is one that is deeply personal and raw. The Prague trip was in the middle of my journey and little did I know that three years later, I'd begin my writing/workshop endeavors to Italy twice and the Dominican for survivor retreats. When I returned home from Prague, I was in pre-op two days later for my 6th surgery. The complications from a reoccurring staph infection in my left breast caused a 6-year path to healing and reconstruction. (Note: the staph didn't come from the hospital but my own body and immune disorder incapable of absorbing the rest of the fluid when the drains were taken out post-double mastectomy). It was brutal and it took nine surgeries to get to a finish line. I just had my ninth essay published (9 in spiritual terms symbolizes completion, fulfillment, compassion) coincidentally about a painful but possible journey I went through that women (incl family/friends) going through their own path with breast cancer, reconstruction, and healing may very well relate to. Link to my publication: https://light4ph.org/category/cancer/
I can't help but notice how people all around me look lighter and hopeful. There is relief and a buzzing energy from the very young to senior age. The threat to Democracy is real and has
been with a fascist movement in this country for nearly a decade now. Someone needs to be in jail rather than protected by the sacred walls of the White House. We do need to move forward and not backwards. We also need
smart, educated, and progressive people in
public office. Now is the time for enthused motivation. There's too much at stake whether it's our freedoms, a planet on fire in desperate need, a Supreme Court to reform currently so corrupt and MAGA run, or our rights as women. It's not the 19th century and the handmaiden's tale but 2024 with powerful women whether married with children, single, childless (and who know the reasons for this very personal thing; I have my own) and/or lover of cats - Our vote will move mountains! Men of all walks of life will get behind women they care about and vote for a better world. We have a smart and strong ticket. Aside from all my other beliefs, I am a proud 'cat lady' supporting the Harris-Walz ticket!
We are living in interesting times with amazing history in real-time! I am awake. Are you reenergized? I hope so because we need you!
Keep on swimming through life,
Valerie Anne
Hope is now in the air!