I'm glad you did open this thread. Discussing the times and where we are in them is a growing experience. I come away every day with more food for thought because of these posts. Thank you one and all!

I totally see triggers differently after going through an online course called compassioncourse.org. A trigger gives me a feeling, and if I go with it, the feeling will show me my unmet need, which instantly transfers the balance of power back to me that I've given to those out there. How I accept and express this need within myself is vital in how I present my need out there (respectfully irregardless of their reaction). Courage time. Very exciting stuff and on a daily basis too; never a dull moment.

Rather than HATE this current political schema, I am getting to the roots of it in seeing how certain philosophies have led into disrespectful cultural behavior, currently taking form as sexual harassment aka The Good Old Boys. I was sexually abused as a child. I know first hand how women are disrespected. I've dealt with my rage. Now what? I am no longer afraid of this 'trigger dragon.' I want to feel my frustration in order to see the courage I will need in this to grow through it.

How that plays out: I have a dry wit and can make zingers that make people laugh, so I've mourned giving that up because I want more from myself and society: The 'replacement' tool is what I am after...that of growing up (I'm 70) and becoming one of those in history who stood up/for trust and respectful behavior. The states-man, woman, child--individual--who has voice and chooses to stand up/for respect and trust as tenets of freedom makes a culture worth living in.

That's why I remain a 1st wave feminist with principles built on respect for both men and women. I reject cynicism as a motivation and believe it is the energy which created male bashing in 2nd wave feminism, and takes it even further in 3rd wave feminism that uses sexuality to get ahead (The Good Old Girls), and am not sure what 4th wave is up to these days. I understand why 2nd and 3rd wave took that stance, but reject the thinking that negative stances can build positive outcomes. Cynicism does not build a healthy individual, family or society. Cynicism destroys hope and with it trust and respect until the culture degrades into what we are seeing now. Cynicism stops with me rejecting it and moving back to the HOPE in the daily adventure in getting to feel my feelings, find my unmet needs, etc. Wash, rinse, repeat. Ha