Rage and All Its Discomfort

Maybe it’s because I have adapted to being (generally) Midwestern nice.

Maybe it’s because it is hard for women to know how to be angry. We were taught to be polite and nice. At least my generation was.

But I simply don’t know what to do with rage.

I know anger is an energy and an emotion. And we need to identify the root of it all to process it.

I’ve learned how to do this in life as best I can. Personally and professionally. I lean on the “Let Them” theory a lot. And also trying to prioritize my own needs first.

But the last few weeks have been rage inducing, and it is all from our headlines in the United States.

My daily routine includes an early start to the day, and a solitary cup of coffee.

It’s been my peaceful way to start my day and get my bearings.

But that is now when my rage starts, reading the insane headlines, watching the live footage and sitting in the feelings.

And then – often – the hardest part is knowing I can’t do anything with that rage.

Literally nothing.

Which makes it all worse.

Not much is making sense.

Except – setting the phone aside, turning off the TV, and getting up and moving forward.

Doing as well as I can at work.

Being the force behind my family and life, ensuring the values system that I hold most dear is steadfast and true.

But as a person used to action, and not being able to do much of anything, the rage is on a perpetual simmer.

And it gets tiring.

Anyone else full of rage?

And also fear?

I am open to suggestions to act. I am including my email today to our representative om Congress.

It was a gesture – but not enough.

I suppose for the first time in a long time – I embrace being flawed.

But I feel far from fearless.

And I suspect many feel the same.

Share what you can if at all relatable.

And feel free to cut and paste the below as you would like.

I believe in the best of humanity – and hoping we can continue to find that in one another.

 

Subject: Demand for Immediate Action

I am writing as a deeply frustrated constituent who is tired of watching our country and the world slide further into instability while those in power respond with delay, deflection, or political posturing.

Are you personally comfortable now? Are you losing sleep over the problems that you are complicit in supporting?

A troubled economy

Shrinking population in OH

The horrific actions by ICE in our communities – in Ohio and across the country

And the global embarrassment of the US trying to take over Greenland

Do any of these issues bother you at all? Will you finally use your voice to do something?

Leadership is not measured by speeches or party loyalty. It is measured by outcomes. Right now, the outcomes are not acceptable.

This is not a request for reassurance. It is a demand for accountability, urgency, and action.

History will remember who chose courage and who chose comfort.

I urge you to act accordingly.

Sincerely,

Erin Ruef