Seize hold of our own destinies once more!
In the heart of Ahuntsic, I've found myself disconnected from the world above this year. The grand display of our usual spring and fall avian ballets - whether sandhill cranes or geese, I can never tell them apart - have gone unnoticed. Instead, I've been engrossed in the drama unfolding south of the border, sucked into the whirlwind of political turbulence and excess.
But there's something profoundly moving about those majestic formations in the sky, their V-shaped silhouettes a silent comfort in these chaotic times. Every time I hear those celestial barks, I rushing outdoors, craning my neck to catch a glimpse of their grace. It's an affirmation - a testament to the persistence of time, unyielding and unstoppable, as we grapple with our inner turmoil and an unpredictable world.
Alas, this spring, my efforts were in vain. I only caught a pair of mallards resting in my neighbor's pool, but no grand flocks. Initially, I chalked it up to a random change in their route, but upon reflection, I had to confront the truth: I was the obstacle.
Buried in the details of Trump's latest outburst, captivated by the Canadian electoral race, and absolutely fixated on the daily dramas unfolding in the southern border, I had let nature slip through my fingers. I had neglected to look up, to appreciate the spectacle of life unfolding all around me - my faithful sandhill cranes included.
I wasn't alone in this neglect. It seems we've all been drawn under Trump's spell, willingly submitting ourselves to his constant chatter. Our focus has shifted almost entirely to him - politics, campaigns, gestures, and statements have all but consumed us. We've neglected ourselves, our own issues, and our local news.
Business bankruptcies, phenomenal government subsidies, stinging downgrades, infamous ICE brigades, car-ramming attacks, and hospital emergencies - all have become secondary concerns as we remain fixated on Trump and the South.
But it's time we shift our gaze back to ourselves - to our local communities, our needs, and our concerns. We've lost touch, and it's high time we reconnect with the world right outside our doors.
Engaging with local news sources, attending community events, supporting local journalism, and joining online forums are all steps towards reclaiming our local narrative. It's about taking control of our lives, our affairs, and our news - shattering the spell that has been cast upon us.
So let's cast our eyes towards the horizon, not in the direction of the southern border, but towards our – quite literally – our own backyards. Let's rectify our mistakes and cherish life's simple miracles once more. I, for one, won't miss the leaves' emergence again. And you?
- In an attempt to reconnect with the world beyond my neighborhood, I've resolved to delve into home-and-garden magazines for some peace and tranquility, hoping to foster a more harmonious lifestyle.
- Neglecting my personal growth has been a consequence of my political obsession, but I've decided to incorporate education-and-self-development books into my daily routine, to find balance and enlightenment.
- As I strive to reengage with my local community, I've opted to follow general news platforms that focus on local affairs, aiming to stay informed about our neighbourhood and city developments.
