I’ve got to say a few things

As is probably obvious from how rarely I post, I’ve been finding it difficult to put my thoughts into words. Or at least into words that I feel are adequate for the topic at hand. Whatever it is. 

I could ramble on about lots of things. But there are so many seriously awful things happening – and me just rambling or ranting about them feels wrong. But ignoring the seriously awful stuff and posting about other things feels wrong too. So I’ve been posting nothing much for the longest time.

I know, why do I feel the need the say anything at all? Do I really think it matters what I say? It’s not a need, it’s something I want to do. And I know anything I post is very unlikely to make a tap of difference to anyone. But it’s still good to take a stand on some things or just to express yourself. I want to make sure to keep the right to do this. Maybe it’s a case of – use it or lose it?

One of reasons I’ve been finding it so hard to express myself is actually because I’m so concerned about things that are happening in our world. These issues are big and complex and awful. And I tend to speak very simply and a bit emotionally. But also I like to look at things from a wide-angled view, and it’s just difficult to decide what to include and what isn’t as important. Everything feels way too important, but also, and way too often, ridiculous. And I feel guilty about how our world is letting happen or causing gross crimes and human rights violations. I worry my words will be clumsy and hurt rather than help.

And I don’t know enough. I simply don’t have in-depth knowledge of … all that much? And while I do want to know more and will search out information on things, I’m not in a position to know how correct all the information is.

But still, there’s a lot that I want to say. I’m just finding it hard to put things in words.

So I’ve been saying very little about very little. I want that to change. And I’m not suddenly, or possibly ever, going to get better at finding the words. So … I’ve decided to just start posting more. Not hot takes. I’m too cold to deliver a hot anything. But I’m going to give my simple reaction to what is going on. Probably with a focus on Irish news.

I want to give my thoughts on what is happening to Palestinians – still, what is still happening to Palestinians, what is happening to Lebanon – I guess I should say still about this to. The war against Iran. The civil war in Sudan and the genocide in Darfur. Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine – any why is the Trump administration refusing to properly back up Ukraine and stand up to Russia? All of these things. But, unless and until I can manage to write is intelligent enough for the complexities of these situations I will probably avoid writing at length on these issues. Because I’d like to help, not hurt.

But there are obvious injustices being carried out that can easily be called out and protested against very simply. So, I’d like to do that.

I also want to write about other things happening in the world – mostly just to force myself to learn more about them.

But most of my thoughts are reactions to things happening in Ireland. That is actually where my main focus is. There has been an awful rise in a miserly and miserable form of nationalism in this country – which I’m not at all happy about. I’m also furious with politicians who are blaming migrants or culchies (I’m a culchie so that’s not meant as an insult) for their policy failures. Like, who do they think this rhetoric plays well with?

When I started writing this, I intended to very quickly and very simply put down everything I have in my head about what is happening in the world. Funnily enough, that turned into something much longer and more complicated than I’d hoped.

I’m either going to have to start posting my unpolished thoughts or I’ll never get over this ridiculous reluctance to post. I’ve really enjoyed posting to twimii in the past. It can be fun – as well as a good outlet to vent or express myself. So I do want to get it going again. 

Right, I’m setting myself a challenge to post something everyday this month. It will likely be a mix of recipes, and bits and pieces on whatever I’m thinking about or current events. And it might be a bit clumsy. If I manage to do it, whatever I write will definitely be clumsy. But know that it’s well intended. I certainly don’t want to offend anyone. I just want to express my opinions and stand in solidarity with those who are in danger or just not being treated as they should be.

OK – still not said anything much. Hopefully that will change a bit. Let’s see how it goes…