March 19, 2025 - "Only You Can Control Your Future!"

The Dr. Seuss Quote for today is, "Only you can control your future!"  Well . . . we do have some "say" over our future, as we can decide if we are going to move forward on something or not, but there are certainly times and situations where we do not have "control" over our futures. What I'm saying today is similar to what I say every day, but I need to say it again. However; first there are people I dearly love who are trans, so as I read and hear the news I am afraid and angry. I'm afraid for what the future - especially over the coming two years, holds for them. 

But, I don't just stay afraid - I also feel angry. How dare the current occupant of the White House target people who just want peace for themselves and to live their lives not harming anyone? Clearly he doesn't live his life not harming anyone. Yes, I feel anger.

Then I take a deep breath, and remind myself of several important facts. While I would like to move to Canada, it is difficult and expensive to do this and happily for me and people I love, we live in Michigan which has excellent laws in place to protect those in the queer community and our Governor and Attorney General are committed to upholding these laws. If you don't live in Michigan, or a similar State with laws to protect you, it is easier to move to a State with these laws than it is to leave the country.

Remembering these things helps me feel less afraid and angry. Then I focus on stepping up, speaking out, and doing everything I can to encourage, love, help, and support those I love - this is one reason I make these videos and write this blog.

Yes, these are scary days, days where I have concerns about the future, and days which make me feel angry, but I hold on to the truth - my state has laws to protect the people I love, in two years I hope the Democrats are able to take back the House of Representatives and the Senate - or at least one, because if they do, they will be able to stop anything else the current president tries to do. In the meanwhile, I find hope in seeing every day how State Attorney Generals from across our country, and groups which care are bringing law suits against the executive orders trump issues and so far the Judges which hear these cares are stopping him. Just yesterday it looked like even the Supreme Court is stepping up to limit trump - this gives me some hope for the future.

If you are feeling afraid and angry every day, as am I, then please hold on the truth about how there are laws to protect you and people who are fighting the court battles to stop trump. Then hold on to and pull closer to the people who love you and who have your back. I think the coming two years will feel long, but there is hope for things to be better. As ‪Rabbi Jill Zimmerman‬ said on ‪@rabbijill.bsky.social‬

"Listen friends - gather your hope where you can. People showed up in all 50 states on a moments notice. Voicemail boxes of senators are filling up. Lawsuits are being filed. Look at all the good people. And do not forget to take care of yourselves. Seriously. This is a long haul."

What the future holds we do not know right now, but we are able to put one foot in front of the other, make plans for things which are most likely to help us have a secure future, and choose to move forward. Don't give up! 

So, once again today I want to send you my virtual "hug" - You matter. You deserve to be loved and are loved - I love you! You make our world a better place - we need you in this world. I hope you have people around you who tell you these things, but if not, please let me be someone who does. Yes, I say this every day, but these words are true and will always be so. You will find the video at this link.