I have most of my basic needs packed. I’ll load my car in a couple of days and drive to Tennessee early next week to start my new position as an academic advisor. But how do I feel about moving to Tennessee with a second Trump administration at hand.
Answer: not much different than I would have felt if Harris had been elected.
If you know me or follow my work, you know I’m not a Trump supporter. You know I align politically to the left with a good portion of independent and libertarian values. But as much as I dislike the thought of a second Trump term, I won’t let it guide my decisions.
Peace and family are my primary concerns.
I raised my daughter from the start. She has lived with me for 19 years. Before that I lived with her mother who has suffered from OCD and other mental-health conditions. In other words, people have been dependent on me for the last 25 years. I love my family, but I’m also ready for my own independence again.
Next week, I’ll have an apartment to myself in a new place, a “red” state. Am I anxious? A little. I think things will be alright in general. I might get a little lonely. Perhaps, I’ll still shout at the news if I watch much of it. But there are not many potential Trump policies that will affect me in a direct and immediate way.
I’ll stay in touch with Annie back in Maine. I’ll make a trip back up for Christmas, and then again in the late Winter or early Spring, 2025. I think she’ll be okay with my sister and her renting the Maine property. I won’t be concerned with minor drama. I will seek peace.
Creativity will continue.
I’ll be busy with the new position and with getting settled into my new place. I’ve already decided that exercise will be a strong secondary focus. I might even go back to church. But I will always continue the creative journey.
I’m taking two new guitars and a new camera with me. I’m not sure what my first project might be, but I will certainly get started on some kind of creative project shortly after arriving Tennessee. I’d like to release one more electronic/ambient album or EP before 2025. But I’ve got a lot of raw material for new songs as well. And some weekends with the camera could happen too.
Life goes on. I may dislike Trump and most of what he stands for. But I won’t let that stop me from moving on. If I were a few years older I may not be taking on another job. But I’m only 61 and feel like it’s in my best interest to work a few more years. Full retirement from outside employment may be on my radar. Still, for now, I’ll be doing something I love and my creativite journey will continue. – dse
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