In the early 1980’s, the old-style, red, London bus, was my choice of transport to get around the capital. I was unable to afford a car. London Underground trains did not extend into the part of South London, where I lived at the time. The ding of the destination bell and the conductor’s cry of, ‘all change please,’ when the bus had reached its final stop, have stayed with me.
Anyone For Prime Minister?
This week has been another tumultuous week in U.K. politics. The shenanigans have brought my London bus memories to the fore, and I am puzzled as to why. In a nutshell, the third Prime Minister, in the space of seven weeks, has been appointed. Boris Johnson’s vague relationship with the truth finally caught up with him. Liz Truss’s premiership could not outlast the lifespan of a lettuce. Rishi Sunak has now galloped in on his trusted steed to save the day. He has conveniently forgotten that he was a major part of a government which has brought the UK to the point of destitution.
My Brain Hurts
As a writer, you would struggle to make this up. It’s the book you can’t put down, the box set you have to binge between sleep. In the turmoil, I have found myself trying to write in moments between checking news bulletins and flicking through social media; anything to find balance.
Humans are resistant to change. Our brains are wired to operate on autopilot. If we experience any significant changes the brain can switch us into fight or flight mode, (survival instinct). At various times in the last few days, I have been wanting to put on boxing gloves then, a minute later, pull on running shoes.
Wintering
‘Wintering brings about some of the most profound and insightful moments
Katherine May
of our human experience, and wisdom resides in those who have wintered.’
By chance a book, bought earlier this month, has brought some respite. Wintering, by Katherine May, is an account of the author’s year long journey through winter and how she found strength and inspiration when her life felt frozen. Winter, in one of her descriptions, can include a change of circumstances that can catch you off guard.
A few chapters in and the book already feels as though it can offer some guidance through troubled times. I am attempting to harness the ding of the old bus bell and, at the same time, trying to blot out screams of lunatics running our asylum.
Have you had any challenges this week? How have you dealt with them? I would love to hear.
As an American, I can fully relate to this. I’m sure that you are aware of our unfortunate prior president and his inability to say anything truthful. And that frankly is the least of his issues. (I am not capitalizing president on purpose as I don’t feel that it is appropriate in his case.) I recently voted early. I just could not wait for the actual election day. I really, really wanted to vote. I pray and hope that the dark forces don’t win and that democracy survives. And I mean this not just for my country but for the world. We have all survived “hard times” before and hopefully “we” are up to that again. They say that the truth always comes out in the end. And that good will always win over evil. I hope this is true. I wish the best for the U.K.
Thank you, Diana and I will reciprocate the best wishes to you over in the USA. These are challenging times for the West. What we need is leadership from people who have a focus beyond their own wealth and status. Hopefully the circle has turned, and better days are not too far away.
My brain seems to hurt all the time. haha. Quiet moments of self-reflection often help me understand myself better. Hopefully the world will appear clearer. I think knowing oneself and accepting it is the biggest challenge of all. Great sharing, Davy. Keep writing and reading. 🙂
Thank you, Terveen. I agree, sometimes these moments provide us with a space for reflection and learning. Reading and writing are my escape rooms. You can create a world different to the one going on around you. Have a good weekend.
Like Diana, I’m an American. I’ve been feeling that jaw dropping drag of the political news cycle since 2015. That the UK is having it’s own turmoil is both comforting and scary. It’s nice to know that the US isn’t the only dysfunctional western country, But it’s sobering to know that we’re all losing our hats at the same time. I’m a huge pessimist. I see every instance of instability as another nail in the coffin of Armageddon.
That feeling of Armageddon seems to be stretching across the Atlantic, Jeff. I think dysfunctional is a good description. It is difficult to be optimistic, and the people who govern seem to lack any awareness of what is going on. History shows we can get through times like these, so fingers crossed. Thanks for your thoughts.
We say we want change, but then when we get it, we run away from it like the wind. Thanks so much for the amusing look back at UK politics. So very helpful for me living here in America. It sounds so much like what we see here, politicians who create the problems and then make you forget that they’re the ones who actually created problems to begin with. I try to zone out the noise at least for a few minutes each day. I can’t say it works all the time, but does help make it less of an up and down roller coaster ride. Hang in there.
Thank you, Brian. My head feels like it needs zoning out in this political climate. I wake up each day and vow not to get involved, but events always manage to drag me back in. On the positive side, the drama does leave a lot of material for a writer to explore. Thanks for taking time to read and leave your thoughts.
I say I’m not going to get emotionally involved and one candidate or another will say something so stupid or silly or hateful and I’ll be pulled right back in! I get mad at myself but I guess that’s good – meaning that I still care about right and wrong. Thanks for putting into words what I’ve been thinking!
I know exactly what you mean Davy and I do wonder where it will stop. I’m hoping I won’t feel such a pressing need to check the news as often to check up on Westminster (or Holyrood in my case). Personally the biggest change I’m adapting – or readapting to is being back on campus almost every day. I liked working from home and was happy to still deliver some classes online … reverting back to old patterns is more difficult than I expected but I think its because I don’t want to go backwards
It must be difficult, Brenda, because I know there is an extra dimension to the political situation in Scotland. I have friends who are involved in teaching at universities in England and they are telling me about the same frustrations. Hopefully things will start to get some balance in the not-too-distant future. Thank you taking time out to leave your thoughts.
my pleasure 🙂
Ever since that fateful day in June 2016, I feel like life almost all of us has been a challenge, Davy. Life changed even more when the pandemic struck, and nearly three years on, that connecting bus we wait for, does not seem to be coming.
Thanks for visiting my blog. Good to meet you.
That’s very true Hugh. I think we need to plan our own journey
Yes, I agree, Brenda.
I agree, Hugh. Since 2016 it does seem like we have been caught in a maelstrom. It feels like the buses have stopped running at times. Thanks for visiting and leaving your thoughts and pleased to have connected.
You’re welcome, Davy. Enjoy the rest of the weekend and that extra hour tonight.
Grand!!
Thank you, yassy. That is appreciated.