Word Of The Day: Sisu

Friends and I are in a state of shock and mourning for the death of democracy as well as being really angry at the outcome of the election. We’re trying to process the enormity of this presidential election and how our lives are going to be forever negatively impacted by what’s to come, including Project 2025.

We also don’t know why a recount wasn’t immediately demanded, why Kamala Harris conceded so quickly, and why it seems as if that orange POS convicted felon will escape all accountability for his crimes. Jack Smith TRIED. Where is justice? Remember January 6? I’m still sad, still angry.

E. Jean Carroll and Mary Trump warned all of us:

My go-to solution of a little retail therapy at the dollar store didn’t help. This situation is deeply depressing.

I’m not sure I’m ready to hear this, but I discovered the Finnish word/concept of “sisu”, It means strength of will, determination, perseverance, and acting rationally in the face o adversity.

We’re going to need all of that to continue to fight the good fight. Darkness is being exposed all over the universe.

Sisu is not momentary courage, but the ability to sustain that courage. It’s a word that can’t really be fully translated.

From Wiki: Sisu is extraordinary determination in the face of extreme adversity, and courage that is presented typically in situations where success is unlikely. It expresses itself in taking action against the odds, and displaying courage and resoluteness in the face of adversity; to decide on a course of action and adhering to it even if repeated failures ensue.

The English “gutsy” invokes a similar metaphor (one also found in other languages): the Finnish usage derives from sisus, translated as “interior”, and as “entrails” or “guts” or “intestinal fortitude”. Another closely related English concept evokes the metaphor “grit”.

That’s what we need right now: GRIT. GUTS. DETERMINATION. COURAGE.

And don’t forget to breathe.