On Yom Kippur, after fasting for 24 hours, I am weirdly not hungry…traditionally, breaking the fast with some matzo ball soup is the most satisfying way to break a fast. Matzo ball soup is the consummate comfort food. So today, 10 days after the election, I am starting to feel ready to break my fast. My first go-to was obviously Jon Stewart. His first program after the election was amazingly reassuring…then on to Stephen Colbert and John Oliver. I have not had the courage to brave CNN, Rachel Maddow or the New York Times…too much fiber there, I suspect. Living in Mexico has its benefits in that nobody here gives a shit or talks politics AT ALL. I have had only very brief and fleeting political conversations, lasting less than a minute and usually consisting of a brief acknowledgement, “I am so sorry for your loss,” like at a funeral. That’s it. No newspapers in my face, no news on TV, nothing, nada, zero, zilch. No casual political banter at dinner. No one insisting on giving their opinions about the what and why of how “he” got elected. It has been wonderful and this particular fast has left me feeling amazingly FULL
In anticipation of the election, on November 4th, Forbes Magazine recently reported the global residence and citizenship advisory firm Henley & Partners has reported a staggering 504% increase in inquiries from Americans wanting to move abroad, while a recent survey by International Living found that 65% of respondents say the upcoming election is a major motivator for leaving the U.S. To those of you thinking about moving, the benefits are ample, not only because of the lack of political banter, but the quality of conversations that the lack of political talk leaves room for. I must admit, this week has been a particularly joyous one for me here in San Miguel de Allende. I don’t know what the future holds for the USA…I pray we will survive the next four years, one way or another…we have endured worse. But, I for one, am not ready to completely give up my “news fast.'‘ After all, studies have shown that some of the multiple benefits of intermittent fasting include lowering insulin levels, blood pressure, reducing inflammation, improving brain health, and helping you feel more hopeful and prayerful. I can attest to the promising results of this week, as I have definitely experienced an improved mental health. I’m not sure when I’ll be ready to take on the carbs again…but, for now, I am resolved to not mentioning “his” name, listening to “his” voice, or seeing “his” picture…geesh, I hope this doesn’t get me arrested!
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