Talk about a firehose of information, disinformation, subterfuge and attack in a compressed period of time! How many of us have had a hard time just functioning? Anyone want to crawl back into bed and put the covers over your head?

I have had those moments – and sometimes that is all that we might be capable of doing. I often find myself responding by taking a deep, deep breath and finding something physical to do – organizing the house, cleaning, walking, yoga – anything that gets me out of the mind and into the body.

As I have felt the physical, emotional and intellectual impact of all that is going on and the challenge in absorbing or digesting it all (haven’t we all?), I have also wondered what I could offer through this blog to provide some inspiration or hope to those of you who honour me with reading it, to remind us all to not lose heart.

I had nothin’.

That is… until seeing the waves of Canadian pride in the moment our sovereignty has been threatened. Those-that-be in the US, saw fit to “poke the bear”, thinking Canadians would slumber through the threat or quietly acquiesce to the bullying, unnecessary and made-up demands.

But no. Canadians, on the whole, are a somewhat humble lot. That humility may have been misinterpreted as subservience or not caring. I have heard it said, we may be slow to anger, but once you get us riled up, watch out! (I do have to note, for those who know me, this is also a personal description.) We might have some infighting in the Canadian family, but attack us from the outside, and we close ranks.

It is not just the majority of Canadian political leaders who are providing a clear and coherent response. Canadians everywhere are sharing our deep sorrow at the loss of a friend, our anger at and disappointment in the US’s threats and actions (and yes, to my US friends, we know more than half of your country is as distraught as we are – thank you for that) and we are standing our ground, loudly declaring our sovereignty. Across the country, people are asking what goods are produced in Canada and what the alternatives are to American products on our store shelves. For the moment, there is a greater sense of kindness with each other on online platforms.

Sovereignty, friends! Every single one of us has personal sovereignty, no matter where we live or what country we live in – over our thoughts, our choices, our actions. Even if it does not feel like much, a decision to buy Canadian where and how we can is an act of rebellion. Who we spend our time with. Who we reach out to. Acts of sovereignty.

Living our lives as fully as is possible amidst the chaos is a radical act. Creating and co-creating – art, poetry, prose, meals are all acts of rebellion – and also of love. Let’s keep at it in whatever ways we can, wherever and whenever we can. Do not lose heart. Stand in your sovereignty and I will stand in mine. Let’s see and acknowledge each other – quietly or loudly. Do not lose heart.

Ordinarily I don’t post political content on this blog site. However, both our Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and our former deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland have responded to tariff threats and they each, in their own way, capture what most ordinary Canadians are thinking and feeling and why we have stepped up our pride and sovereignty. If you are Canadian, you will resonate with the sentiments. If you are not Canadian, you will get some insight into what we are made of and why, when challenged, we rise to the promise in our National Anthem.

O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all of us command.
With glowing hearts, we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.