When hope is a risk worth taking
The end of an election, and a chance to start again.
Welcome to So Relatable, a bi-weekly newsletter featuring conversations about the creative process, updates on my writing projects, suggestions for nourishing yourself, and a few great links. Know someone who might enjoy this sort of thing? Send me their way!
All week, between refreshing the election map and refreshing Twitter and refreshing TikTok memes and failing to refresh myself, I thought about what I might write in this newsletter, what words might matter in this moment. I kept putting it off, because who knew what kind of world we would be living in by Sunday? And then, just as I started this draft, the race was called for Biden and OH MY GOD, IS IT REAL, DID IT REALLY HAPPEN, AFTER FOUR AWFUL YEARS ARE WE FINALLY FREE???
Ahem. Excuse me. Where was I?
Even as ballots were tallied and states flipped to blue and Biden’s numbers inched up—even now, as he is officially President-Elect!—I’ve been careful not to express too much hope or optimism, careful not to celebrate too soon. I didn’t mind that states were still counting because I wanted it to be absolutely certain. Don’t give me good news unless you’re sure it can’t be taken away.
And then, when the election was finally called, when it was certain, I cheered and danced and exchanged joyful messages with friends, all while refreshing the headlines to make sure they were still there. They were. They are. We won! And I honestly don’t know what to do with myself.
As a writer I’m used to waiting, but not so much to winning. Putting in years of work and getting little in return is basically my whole writing process. I’m not trying to compare the future of our country to a failed manuscript—one is vastly more important than the other, and it’s definitely not my book!—but activism and writing have always felt like kin in that sense.
Which is why I didn’t actually expect these last four years of organizing, donating, protesting, canvassing, text banking, and working the polls to make a difference. For so long, hope felt dangerous, optimism something to be held at arm’s length. Having experienced both, I’d much rather celebrate an unexpected win than be blindsided by loss.
So that’s where I’m at today. A little stunned to find us standing here, on the right side of history, and taking a moment to cheer. As many folks have pointed out, there’s no such thing as a perfect candidate and the next four years will have their own challenges and disappointments, will still require action and plenty of work. The difference is that now, I believe that work has the potential to make a difference. Today, I am not afraid to hope. 💛
Snack of the Week
I served as an election official this past Tuesday, pulling a very long 15-hour day at the polls. Although the experience was very different from the pre-pandemic primary in March, it was just as gratifying. The chance to serve my community, to help ensure a fair and safe election, to greet my neighbors and hand them a ballot—I truly do love it, even when it’s exhausting. There were many great moments throughout the day, but perhaps the best was when a fellow poll worker informed us that she’d brought brownies to share. “You’re an American hero,” I told her, and I meant every bite.
Relatable Reads
Win or Lose, This Feels Bad, VICE.
“Since last night—and, really, since 2016—a lot of people have made the point that this is, in fact, who America is, and always has been. We’re not actually united, or exceptional, or good people; we’re racist and greedy and violent and individualist and easily taken in by a con man. And that is true! It’s not news!” 😢
Reading Too Much Political News is Bad for Your Well-Being, The Atlantic.
“As the election season heats up, many Americans are attached to their opinions—especially their political ones—as if they were their life’s savings; they obsess over their beliefs like lonely misers, and lash out angrily when they are threatened. This is the source of much suffering, for the politically obsessed and everyone else.” 🗳
Self-Care at the End of the World, Vox.
“Life is uncontrollable — especially, good god, right now — but this, this you can control. You can put your stuff in rainbow order. You can make it all beautiful. That is a profoundly seductive idea.” 💖
I endorse: FutureMe, which allows you to write a letter to your future self and then delivers that letter to your inbox on a day of your choosing. I’ve written a number of them over the last decade (!) and they’re always a poignant and profound surprise. Apparently, in December 2016, I wrote and scheduled one for November 3, 2020, and it was the perfect thing to read on Election Day. Thanks, PastMe.
A Tiny Goal
Unclench your jaw. Lower your shoulders. Take a deep breath. Remember that the work will still be there tomorrow, and we can do it together.
Coffee Club
Many thanks to Sandra L. for last week’s virtual coffee, which helped me survive the longest week ever! 💛 💃 🙌
Want to treat me to a ☕️ and support So Relatable?
Venmo: @Christine-Hennessey or PayPal Me.
Can't afford a contribution? Forwarding to a friend is also appreciated!