By Cheryl Mattox Berry
Still.
That’s what I become when the world turns chaotic and ugly. I withdraw from the voices that spew hate, intolerance and lies. I find solace in music, inspirational books and Bible verses.
I make a point of smiling and being nicer to people. The driver who is honking behind me, I switch lanes so that he can get by. The lady who darted in front of me while I was standing in line, I let her go first without uttering a word. A shopper headed toward me in the grocery store aisle, I back up and let him pass. (He smiled and thanked me.)
In this highly charged political climate, you don’t know what will set off another person. I don’t want it to be one of my sarcastic remarks or stank-eye. People take offense at the smallest things these days.
I also refrain from discussing Donald Trump with people I used to engage in light banter. There’s no point. Voters who supported Trump stand by him no matter what he says or does.
The other things I do are get up from the computer and turn off the TV. Silence is beautiful.
Nuts, berries and twigs
After watching the documentary, “What the Health,” I decided to give meat, poultry and fish a break, and follow a plant-based diet.
My decision wasn’t based solely on the controversial documentary, which was co-directed and narrated by a vegan who misreported statistics and did some sloppy reporting overall. The Netflix film was supposed to examine the link between diet and disease but went overboard on the perils of meat, poultry, fish and dairy products.
I’ve had a love-hate relationship with meat all my life. I’ve gone meatless for days at a time. I often eat what my vegetarian friends order at restaurants. Because I like most vegetables, a plant-based diet isn’t a stretch for me.
Although others claim they feel so much better a mere two weeks off meat, I haven’t noticed a difference at almost three weeks. Perhaps it will take me longer to feel any effect. I’ll keep you posted.
Eureka!
I’ve found a pair of no-show footies that don’t slide down to my toes. They’re called Feetures! performance socks, but I wear them with my cute sneakers. They come in an array of fashion colors and different cushion levels, from ultra light to max cushion.
I can’t tell you how many no-show socks I’ve tried that didn’t work and were promptly returned to the store for a refund. Not Feetures!
Cost: $7.97 a pair (Nordstrom Rack) to $15.99 (stores that sell athletic footwear.) Feetures! is family owned and located in North Carolina. Check out the company website to find a store that sells the socks near you.