I took time off from writing essays so that I could focus on completing the MS of my forthcoming book. Task completed. It’s now in the hands and before the eyes of my editor and several beta readers. Concentrating on that solely had side benefits. It provided a respite from the other focus of my writing: Penning essays on topics related to our current socio-political situation. And it helped refresh my batteries. A writer’s version of coming up for air.
During that time, the Broncos’ season ended in the slush at Mile High. Those who know me well know that I bleed orange. One friend thought I would’ve been twisted into knots over the loss, but I told him I wasn’t. For two reasons. The first was the mile-high hope many of us had for Bo Nix’s replacement, Jarret Stidham, to work his version of Bo Magic proved to be wishful thinking. The other was that I had already taken the long view. Overall, the Broncos’ season was successful despite falling short of winning the Super Bowl. For the first time in decades, their future is looking promising.
With the completion of my book’s MS and the ending of the Broncos’ season behind me, it meant being back to facing the brutal reality of the ghastly, maddening, enraging socio-political front fulltime. That’s not to say that I hadn’t been keeping up with what was playing out on the streets of America.. Far from it. I studiously stayed abreast of it, but for a short while I had my book and Broncos to escape to.
Realizing that makes me wonder how others who are likewise aghast keep themselves in check psychologically and emotionally. Because if they didn’t, they’d either go mad or become so mad that they might do something they might later regret. And not seeing a full-scale crackup taking place indicates those who are besides themselves like me are working their own form of magic, possibly through the art of escapism.
Healthy escapism is a requisite balm for a stressed mind and spirit. Many find it through physical recreational activities. Others in more sedentary artistic, creative endeavors and in reading, particularly fantasy, mystery, and romance. Some even in dystopian novels, which escapes me. The reason being that when society is edging close to slipping into an Orwellian dystopian abyss, escaping into an alternative, make-believe one through literature kindles dark passion—depression—in me.
Nevertheless, I understand why others love to dive into such works, which isn’t saying much because my understanding of that proclivity is comparable to my understanding of those who thrive on coffee, a most distasteful compound, binge on crime shows and reality TV, or find cruising down groomed ski runs invigorating. To which I ask, “Seriously?”
Please understand I’m being facetiously lighthearted here. My point is that we all have quirks, oddities, and passions to ameliorate the stresses of our minds. They might seem incomprehensible to others, like Broncos football and writing are for me, but it doesn’t matter. They’re whatever floats our boat to keep us sane.
Take a moment to reflect on that phrase beyond superficiality. Liken that which keeps a boat afloat to that which keeps you emotionally and psychologically above water—sane—during insane times. Stretching the metaphor a tad more, consider how taking time off from the incessant incoming barrage of ugliness is like going on shore leave.
Another common aphorism is that hope springs eternal. It’s early February, which means we’re past the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. Punxsutawney Phil has either cast a shadow or not, Pagans have celebrated Imbolc, and “Wait ‘til next year” has become the rallying cry of the Broncos’ faithful. And happily for me, my book, which is a memoir of sorts, has taken a major step toward publication.
I’ve titled the book, Sometimes That’s Just the Way It Is, because, well, sometimes that’s just the way it is. It’s a form of stoicism, a philosophy I’ve adopted in part after spending decades futilely trying to change this, that, and others.
It correlates to another late-life realization: Being there for others and saving our country begins with self-care. For me that includes writing and cheering on my Broncos.
To keep from plunging over the edge, it’s essential to do whatever it takes to keep your psychological and emotional boat afloat.
I strongly believe that hope must spring eternal. Otherwise, why bother?
Which for me means in part, Go Broncos…next season.
Glenn Blanco
February 5, 2026 at 5:30 pmIt’s too bad our constitutional leaders don’t go by NFL rules. When the game is over the score is final. The winner celebrates and the loser goes and cries in their beer. It’s too bad we don’t have a leader who never learned to lose and never learned to cry in an ice cold brewski. We would all be better off if that were so.
Froggy
February 8, 2026 at 10:54 pmWere we this divided when Kent State happened? If we were, in time we will come back together just as we eventually did after those protests. Just hope it’s before we women are wearing burkas, speaking Farsi or bending at the waist speaking Mandarin. Speaking Spanish is the least of our worries. In the meantime, we’re all walking on eggshells. waiting for calm to return. Bills winning or Broncos winning seem not so important anymore to me. If it works for others to not think of today’s unrest, outstanding. Because whatever change is coming, is coming regardless. Enjoy the game while you can.