Are you dealing with anxiety? I am. With all the wacky things going on right now some days I feel like a chicken running around with its head cut off. And those are my good days. Basically, I am the opposite of zen.
I’m a Little Bit Anxious
At this moment, we are dealing with quite a lot. First, forest fires are raging on the West Coast and here in Boulder County. Second, Covid19.
Finally, and most anxiety-provoking for me, a strange election unfolds that has those in authority championing old forms of voter suppression in ultra-creative new ways.
What Are You Doing?
Now and then I stop and say to myself, “2020 what are you doing?!” It’s all just a bit much. But deep down I am mostly worried that these are the good times and that things could get much worse.
Colorado Forest Fires
So, let us begin. As I write this three forest fires are raging around us, two of them within eight miles of us here in Boulder County. The air quality is terrible and it’s too smoky to go outside.
On top of that, it smells like a plastic factory with mothballs in it burned down. Talk about feeling trapped during quarantine. My daily walks outside that sparked great joy are over for now.
But I really can’t complain about being inside my home when so many here in Boulder County have lost their homes and can’t do the same because their dwellings have burnt to the ground.
This makes me more sad and anxious than words can describe.
Covid19
When 2020 began I did not understand certain concepts that were to become key this year. Covid19? Quarantine baking? Fomite transmission? Mask-wearing? People arguing over mask-wearing? These ideas were foreign to me. I only wish they still were.
It all quickly became personal in March when we had to rush home a family member traveling in Europe. In April, we Lost a Loved One to COVID and then had to figure out how to grieve during the pandemic. The only word to describe this is “surreal.”
Now we must multiply our own grief times 223,547 families. That is how many people have died of this terrible disease here in the US. It’s hard not to be in constant COVerwhelm. The devastation wrought by this national disaster makes my own MS Diagnosis look like a cakewalk.
Still, the pandemic rages on and we are told not to fear it. What are we supposed to do? Shut Up and Bake?
In essence, we leave behind the first wave of Covid19 without a coherent national strategy, as we move into the cold weather and the impending, larger second wave.
The Election
Last but not least, we come to the election. I haven’t ever hidden the fact that my husband and I are passionate Democrats, and committed progressives. One thing our family has been enthusiastic about this year is supporting the Black Lives Matter movement.
This commitment applies to equality in all arenas of life. Right now, an extremely urgent issue is guaranteeing equal access when it comes to voting.
Voter Suppression
Unfortunately, this year we have seen an enormous increase in institutionalized voter suppression as the Republican party has gone to war on this constitutional right.1, 2
These white supremacist tactics date back to the Reconstruction era and entail blocking American citizens from the polls.
After the Civil War, poll taxes and literacy tests were enacted to keep Black voters from casting their ballots.3
They’re legit taking the mailboxes off the street. Cheating 101. pic.twitter.com/hkXcV5vtBH
— Isaac Hayes III (@IsaacHayes3) August 14, 2020
The New Poll Tax
Here are some new forms of the old poll tax, as covered by Fox News and other sources:
- 1 ballot box for 4.7 million people in Harris County, TX4, 5, 6
- Eliminate polling places in urban areas7,8, 9
- Remove USPS mailboxes10 and sorting machines11
These exceptionally creative tactics undermine democracy.
Coup d’Etat?
We need to make it as easy as possible for everyone to vote! Not harder.
If only this administration put this much effort into helping its citizens exercise their rights, rather than hindering them, I would not be up at night worrying about a potential coup d’etat.
What Are You Anxious About?
Are you feeling a little unnerved during these strange times when an incumbent says they’re “running angry” and has stated numerous times they won’t accept the results of this election? Frankly, this freaks me out.
What Can We Do?
I love hearing from you all about what you’re going through and how you’re experiencing these times. Leave a comment and let me know how you’re holding up. I want to hear from all of you!
Ann says
Elana – I am feeling the same sorts of anxiety from afar. I used to live in the Denver area for 10 years, so Colorado is still one of my “homes.” I currently live in Korea. I almost feel guilty because I am living a pretty normal life here, with the exception of always wearing a mask when I am out and about, teaching, etc.
I am grieving for my fellow Coloradans. Watching the wildfires is just breaking my heart. I have a lot of friends and in-laws who still live there.
I am grieving and saddened at the state of the whole country right now. I thought things were bad in 2016, but 2020 has proven to be exponentially more divisive and nasty. I lost friends in 2016 over the election. I have lost friends already this year because they were anti-maskers. I don’t doubt I will lose more “friends” post election, either way it goes. Trump is a pathological liar and truly should be in prison. I’m not afraid to say that.
My family lives back in Indiana. Their covid numbers are spiking. I’m a bit afraid for them. I am halfway around the world, working a job with no time to up and leave if something bad happens. So many people feel like masks are a violation of their rights. No… you are violating my right to live by NOT wearing your mask in public. When it’s a public health crisis, you sacrifice for the greater good.
I had to delete a lot because my comment was too long.
Elana says
Ann, thanks for checking in from Korea. I have heard that the government there did an incredible job in containing Covid19.
Your comment is so thoughtful, well written, and brave. There is so much grief here with the fires, and so much grief in this country with Covid19. Today in the US 82,000 people were diagnosed with it. A terrible tragedy is occurring, yet we are being told that we are turning the corner. It is cognitive dissonance, on top of grief, really just too much for the mind to hold.
Finally, regarding mask wearing, it is an imposition and a violation of rights. But so is wearing a seat belt and I don’t see anyone protesting that. Sometimes people put their own wishes ahead of their own best interests. Like voting for a party that gives tax cuts to the wealthy. I’m still trying to wrap my head around that one. As I wrote in another comment on this post, 91 out of the top Fortune 500 companies paid no taxes in 2019 due to this administration’s tax cuts. If that ain’t Socialism, I don’t know what is. I hope you’ll stay well and keep in touch :-)
Catherine Wagner says
Ughhhhhhh! I could scream, oh
I JUST DID!
Catherine
PS. Everything Elana said is true!
Elana says
Thanks Catherine!
Sue says
Jah, i m anxious. We don’t agree on everything BUT the world has certainly gone crazy! I wish the federal govt had not turned into a reality show staged to get attention and create more and more divisive content. It s too much like ‘Groundhog Day’, but not a comedy.
I bake, play ‘Lewis and Clark’ in a little patch of woods I m trying to rehab, and I jumped on the podcast bandwagon with two wise, caring, insightful guys & they restore my soul. I’m also trying to get OFF the chocolate bandwagon and it makes me rather grumpy. Addiction is a BEAR, but the arthritis pain may be worse.
Elana says
Sue, your comment made me laugh out loud when I came to the part about the Groundhog Day reality show. Thanks so much for making me smile in these serious times :-)
Corinne says
Sue, can you share who the two podcast guys are that restore your soul?
Good luck with out the chocolate.
-Corinne
Elana says
I would love that too!
Kristina Hicks-Hamblin says
Hi Elana,
Thank you for your post – and for expressing the pain and anxiety that so many of us are feeling. I find it (somewhat) comforting to look back at history and see that the human experience is full of such moments of uncertainty and angst because of plague, corrupt rulers, and changing environments. That doesn’t make things easier for those of us going through the process, but to me, at least, I find it puts things in perspective.
I’ve also been missing my calming walks over the past two months while smoke from fires have been polluting our air here in Utah. It’s supposed to snow Sunday, and I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy at the prospect! Perhaps the wintry weather will calm the fires and let us breathe again.
And please keep baking, but definitely do not shut up. ; )
Elana says
Kristina, thanks for your empathy and for connecting. Yes, so many of us are feeling pain and anxiety. I pray we get some snow to put out these fires. And I will keep baking and of course will not shut up. Glad we’re on this journey together :-)
Donna L Stearns says
Yes, Elana, this is such an unbelievable time with the pandemic, the White House people supporting and encouraging militaristic tactics against people demonstrating for positive change. It is so stressful, and so hard to believe that people support this racist, violent, lying, cheating, tax-evading person in the WH. May we see change soon.
So, I too, am shutting up and baking! Thank you so much for your amazingly simple and delicious recipes. They are helping my family to weather this storm. We have enjoyed the Keto Mini Corn Dog Muffins several times. I add a stick of cheese next to the hot dog when I poke it in to the batter. Yum!!
Here in Oregon the fires are out, the smoke has cleared, though the trauma continues. Thousands are without shelter with winter coming. There is so much need and so much good is being shown by compassionate people.
A few days ago I baked, for the first time, your Pumpkin Pie Muffins. I had asked my husband to choose a new recipe, and that is what he chose. I made them in my tiny muffin tin, and they were delightful.
I have found that if I focus on the beauty in my world, I do better. Thank you for being a force for good. And for the amazing recipes! XOXO
Elana says
Donna, it is indeed an unbelievable time with this dreadful pandemic. In fact, today 82,000 people were diagnosed with Covid19 in the US. And the fires, oy. I am so glad to hear the smoke has cleared from the forest fires by you, but deeply saddened that so many people have lost their homes, it is tragic and worrisome. Finally, I’m so happy to hear that you and your DH are enjoying my recipes –your version of the keto corn dogs sounds amazing. Take good care and keep in touch :-)
Lisa Herzberger says
Hi Elana! I’ve enjoyed your recipes for over 2 years now! Ever since my daughter was diagnosed with chronic granulomatous disease which then caused her have Crohn’s disease. She is in the SCD diet and has since gotten her bachelors degree in nutrition! So needless to say, you’ve helped our family a lot! Thank you!
After sharing your concerns, I love you even more! In Washington state we’ve had to deal with wildfires also and with that, hazardous air quality.
The political climate contributes greatly to almost every aspect of our lives! Healthcare, climate change, covid…and our “leader” had botched EVERYTHING up horribly! The divisiveness he has created is both dangerous (Michigan’s govenor, proud boys etc) and heartbreaking. I have friends and family who remain Trump supporters and it’s been so hard and stressful to maintain a normal relationship with them knowing that they’re basically brain washed! I think that’s been my biggest stress, relationships..that and the potential loss of healthcare..pre existing conditions etc..
Elana says
Lisa, what a comment. Thanks for outlining so many of the things that are bothering so many of us. Oy vey, is what my Bubby would say. I’m so honored to be on this journey with you and your family and thrilled to hear that SCD has helped your daughter. It helped my son with refractory celiac disease and he is now able to be on a mere gluten-free diet. Your comment made my day on so many levels. Sending you and yours huge hugs and thanks for connecting :-)
Karyn Chasteauneuf says
Hi Elana,
The best thing you can do for anxiety is turn off the news. It’s amazing how much better you feel when you don’t buy into their garbage. Tip from Australia!
Karyn
Elana says
Karyn, no news turned on here. I read the local paper to keep up with things. The visuals of TV are just too much for me. Take good care :-)
Patricia says
I’m sorry, but I’m with Laurie. The liberal Democrats are trying to turn us into a Socialist country, those are not the values of the founding fathers and all of the true Americans that have died in wars to uphold those values. I don’t consider anyone voting for Biden to be an American, they just live in a country called America. Trump may not be the best-liked person out there, but he’s done a great deal of good things while in office and he is upholding his promises that he made when elected. You need to get away from the Liberal news and look at some others sites, try NewsMax. I would under no circumstances vote for a Socialist, that would be like spitting on all those who died for this country.
Elana says
Patricia, thanks for sharing your views here. I am a liberal democrat and very proud American who is not spitting on anyone who died for my country, although I do send cookies to the troops overseas with Military Moms.
One thing we definitely do agree on though is that we cannot have a socialist country. In fact, the current socialism we have with this administration must be stopped as soon as possible. Unfortunately, 91 companies in the Fortune 500 did not pay a dime in taxes in 2019 due to this administration’s tax cuts. This corporate socialism is terrible for the rest of the country, and most especially working people.
Further, although you suggested I “get away from the Liberal news” a good deal of my footnotes link to Fox News. The best part of being an American is that we get to agree, or disagree, with one another. Thanks goodness that has not been taken away along with the ballot boxes in Harris County.
Jenny B says
Elana, I don’t know where Laurie has been hiding from real news. She evidently is not reading legitimate news sources. She says she is not a Trump supporter – really? He doesn’t need supports when he has non-supporters stating views like her. I have been a long time supporter of your site and often go to your recipes first. Thanks for being so kind to those who stand in the opposite corner and are uncouth enough to question your mental health for your right to your opinion.
Elana says
Jennie, thanks for your support! And so glad you are enjoying my recipes :-)
Laurie says
A coup d’etat? Are you *serious*? After the Democrats attempted one with the nonsensical “Russiagate”? The Democrats have been trying to unseat the President since he took office with spurious accusations, wasting taxpayer money. Do you think if Hillary had won there would be so much bleating about the popular vote? Nope.
The mailbox story you posted above has been roundly debunked – it was routine maintenance.
Elana, I’ve avoided commenting for months because it’s clear your mental health (which, it seems, has always suffered from obsession, anxiety and OCD) has taken a terrible turn for the worse and I felt deep pity for you. Now, however, you’ve joined the ranks of fear mongers actively attempting to spread disinformation. You need to step way from obsessing over the news.
I’m worried about the *liberals* going crazy when Trump is reelected – and despite the polls there’s an excellent chance he will be reelected.
I’m not a Trump supporter – I vote straight-party Libertarian – but you really need to focus on your own mental health right now. For the first time since you started your blog I’m unsubscribing. Good luck to you. You are clearly part of the problem, not part of the solution.
Elana says
Laurie, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts here. It’s interesting to me that there is such a need to pathologize liberals. In fact, it’s been going on since Obama was in office and one of the largest witch hunts of modern times began –the birther movement. In terms of your statement that I am actively attempting to spread disinformation, you may want to click the footnotes and see where they go, perhaps it’s to the place you get a bit of your news. Thanks again for your comment and for being on this path with me, I’m so sorry to see you go.
Natalie says
Oh my! I certainly hope the previous writer feels a bit lighter after purging herself of all that anger and hostility.
I love your blog and share your concerns regarding the civility of society (example given, above), the situation with Covid, California fire devastation and voter suppression. Hopefully better days are ahead. Wishing you all the best.
Elana says
Natalie, thanks for your comment! Couldn’t agree with you more in hoping that better days are ahead. Take good care :-)
Lisa Herzberger says
Elana, ATTA GIRL!!!!
Elana says
Thanks Lisa!
Andy says
Hi Laurie. I completely agree with your response to Elana’s post. I’ve consulted the website for years for low-carb recipes but will now remove it from my bookmarks. I don’t care to be lectured about BLM and other Marxist causes while trying to find inspiration for my time in the kitchen. And one thing, Elana: in California, where I reside, there are fewer polling places in urban areas due to the actions of our god-emperor Newsom, who has taken it upon himself to unilaterally decree universal vote-by-mail under the pretext of keeping us all “safe” from the virus. Please get your facts right.
Elana says
Andy, thanks for sharing your thoughts here. No mistaking of facts here, The cases I mentioned were not in California. Mail in voting during a pandemic seems to make sense to me, but perhaps I’m missing something, always happy to learn though!