Why 2016 Sucked for Most Americans and How We Can Do Better

By | February 26, 2017

Americans have had one solid year of angst and disbelief.

Prince, David Bowie, Muhammad Ali, George Michael all checked out with very little warning or preparation for those of us committed to lives of mastery and courage.

For me, 2016 was all about trying to figure out and navigate new systems with no understanding of these systems and why they are needed.

After looking at the joke that is politics and pop culture over the last twelve months, it is clear to me that we have lost our way because we are existing in a world without boundaries.

Brene’ Brown states it best with this succinct definition of boundaries- this is what’s okay; this is what’s not okay.

We have spent the last year allowing confusion to remain instead of setting boundaries.

Bullying , scapegoating and the level of racism and misogyny that our most recent presidential race highlighted was shocking and beyond disturbing.

When those seeking power are seeking more power, it sends a message to all of us that we don’t need boundaries not when it interferes with getting what we want.

I stopped being shocked at people’s behavior the minute creating a sex tape was the requirement for breaking into the entertainment industry.

I also stopped being shocked when Americans sucked up all the lies regarding what President Obama was doing or not doing.

I, like all Americans, have only two choices: stay shocked (in shock)- or strap on the head gear and get in the game, i.e. create some change by personally being a change maker.

2017 must be the year of boundaries and clear thinking.

When the subject of boundaries comes up, most of wince and deliberately try to change the subject.

Boundaries are uncomfortable for most of us because it means saying no to someone we care about (friends and relatives) or in many instances(someone who may have “perceived” power over us-supervisors and large government agencies and big businesses).

Boundaries are also sorely needed in a world with too many choices about every aspect of our lives.

Whenever there have been hurt feelings and or misunderstandings that I’ve allowed to easily settle into resentments, there was a boundary I didn’t set or allowed it (the boundary) to be negotiated away(a semi firm one built on shaky ground) or hoped that the person causing the drama would appreciate my “niceness” and set one for the both of us.

I always ended up screwed and resentful.

When the “Donald” began his bid for the White House, I dismissed it. I foolishly believed it was a publicity stunt that had gotten out of hand and America would see it as the tomfoolery it truly was.

I believed we could all get back to the seriousness of our daily lives and co-create next steps for moving our country in a sane, positive direction.

I was wrong.

Once again, I and the rest of the country failed to maintain a boundary.

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