Some days, I just have to unplug and listen to Abba!

“I have a dream, a fantasy

To help me through reality . . .

I have a dream, a song to sing

To help me cope with anything . . .”

I have a Dream

Abba

July 22, 2018

When I embarked on this year of “searching for awe,” I knew that 2018 wasn’t always going to be sunshine and rainbows. What it did mean was that I was committed to trying to reclaim some of the joy, laughter and hope that 2016 and 2017 had sucked out of me. It meant that I would face each day looking for opportunities to look for positivity in the face of daily attempts to undermine our basic humanity.

For the most part, these attempts have been successful. But there are some weeks that I literally have to disengage from watching or reading any news coverage or social media posts. This was one of those weeks. After listening to the news accounts this week about the current President’s behavior toward long-standing allies of the United States at the NATO Summit, followed by comments he made standing next to a known dictator who advocates for killing journalists, I’d had enough. I turned off the news and turned on Spotify. I recently read a report (but can’t find the report or source now) that listening to at least 10 songs a day can improve your mood.

I’m not sure if it was coincidence, divine intervention, or the fact that ‘’Mama Mia 2” premiered this week, but the first song that I heard when I asked Alexa to “play Spotify” was “I Have a Dream” by Abba! My friend, Leslea, used to tease me about my taste in music. Often, she had good reason – there was that regrettable phase when I liked Air Supply back in the 80s! But, I will not apologize for my love of Abba music! And, “I Have a Dream” was the perfect song for me to hear on that day. The words, the melody, the music reminded me that it’s possible to still see “wonder” even when the U.S. democracy is threatened. It made me feel like “digging in” to protect the programs and policies that benefit the most vulnerable populations; to not give up on my life’s work.

Granted, I’m tired. The past 18 months have been physically and emotionally exhausting. Couple that with the fact that I spend a considerable amount of time on weekends working, something that is a constant sore spot with my husband. My last real extended (beyond 4 days) vacation was in 2014.

Recently, I finished reading Maria Shriver’s book I’ve Been Thinking, which is a compilation of reflections, prayers, and inspirational wisdom. In one of the chapters, Shriver talks about growing up in a family who considered resting or vacations a sign of weakness. Shriver has said that resting was scorned upon in her home. “If either of my parents saw anyone resting, well let’s just say…no one would have dared to try,” Shriver has said. Yet, she has come to realize that resting (and I’m not talking about naps) is important for our minds, our hearts, and our bodies to help us recharge and refocus. Shriver says people who feel recharged are less likely to react negatively when hurtful things are said, including being more considerate, and more compassionate, not to mention less angry and less judgmental.

Because of my work, I don’t get many opportunities to take a vacation. However, this weekend, I got in my car, turned up the volume on my Abba playlist, headed to a cabin on a river in the woods, where I spent 48 hours reading a good book, cuddling with my sister-in-law’s Border Collie, Panda, floating in the Barron Fork, and recharging. I understand that I’m privileged, and that many people do not have the luxury to escape to their cabin. But, this weekend, I used that privilege to recharge and refocus my resolve. Now, I’m ready to go back to work on Monday to try to create similar opportunities for everyone.