Thanks, Lisa, and thanks for asking! I’m sticking with it, for the most part. Had a cup of coffee first thing a couple days ago and felt like my heart was going to explode. Good reminder to be extra gentle with my body, as well as my mind and spirit!
Are you doing anything new that’s helping you endure these difficult times? Or have you recommitted to any practices?
Oof, this is exactly the kind of response I have worried about when posting any suggestions for how to cope in the current political climate. I worry that reminders to ground ourselves, stay in the present, tolerate uncertainty, and consume the news mindfully will be interpreted as avoidance or minimizing what is happening. I've been trying to post despite the worries, and your words here will help me to continue to do so. Thank you!
Yeah, it doesn’t feel good to be met with those remarks, even when I intellectually understand where they come from. I completely understand your hesitancy!
At the same time, I’ve noticed how much of a difference these messages of encouragement can make. There are so many people who need reassurance that it’s okay (wise, even) to tend to ourselves in the midst of this situation. All of our everyday challenges, stressors, and crises are still happening at the same time as the bigger crisis unfolds. People want to see a variety of ways to make activism fit into their everyday lives. And they may need practical suggestions about how to take care of their health at the same time. When I focus on these people and not the people who are lashing out, I feel braver about speaking up.
Keep sharing as you’re able to, Amber! What you share makes a difference. There are people who are looking for just what you have to offer. 💚 ✨
I'm sorry you experienced cruel remarks in your note. I've had a couple of those, and as another sensitive and introvert, it does hurt. One was in ALL CAPS. Ouch! Staying true to what we know as our inner north star can be difficult in today's climate of aggression. Yet, it's the only way we can ultimately be a bearer of light and champions of goodwill. Thanks for sharing, Lori.
Thank you for sharing, Paulette. I'm sorry you've known this experience, too. And I'm sorry that WE are the kinds of people who are sorry that this happens to others, when everyone should want others to be spared that hurt. Humph. But I'm grateful for people like you, who continue to remain true to the values of light and goodwill. Even when I feel attacked, I don't feel alone. So thankful for your presence! 💚 ✨
dear Love as Lori, “even keel” is a strength in sailing rough waters, be they ocean or comments. what people put out into the world tells about who/how they are … thank you for reminding yourself and all of us to center and breathe to be in a healthy mode amidst chaos.
Thank you for this lovely reminder! It takes so much energy to keep “righting the ship,” doesn’t it? I’m committed restoring myself to an even keel, and I hope you are, too. Appreciate the kindness and support! 💚 ✨
The pressure to be a 'certain kind of activist' is so real, and it can be suffocating. It's as if there's a mold we're all expected to fit into, and if we don't, we're somehow failing.
Lori, your article is a powerful reminder that we all have unique roles to play, and that self-acceptance is crucial for authentic action. We can't pour from an empty cup, and we can't truly make a difference if we're constantly at war with ourselves.
As an outsider, I've noticed a lot of Americans are very reactive these days. I'm offering them metta because, well, I'm not really that surprised. I'd be afraid if I lived there too.
Thank you for your offering, Sky! We are all afraid, perhaps for different reasons. I wish that would bring people together. Hopefully cooler minds will begin to prevail soon. I'm grateful for your presence!
Lori, I suspect people who left aggressive comments are overwhelmed by fear. The chaos created by the new administration is intended to unground us and make us turn against one another in these ways. Thank you for sharing so vulnerably. If there is no room to care for ourselves, how will we survive to create a better world?
Thank you for your support, Sandra. I agree, fear can bring out the worst in us. And this whole climate is designed to distract from the real issues and protect the perpetrators in charge. We have to try to avoid taking the bait and turning on one another. And if that fails, each of us needs to take steps to preserve our ability to do do good in the world. It's a tall order, but I think you and I and many like us can do it! 💚 ✨
So sorry to hear that some people were so cruel. The meanness and hostility online are astonishing. I hope all the positive messages you received about your work offset the negative.
Thank you, Gail! I’m grateful for all your support and encouragement! And, yes, the support and positivity here are overwhelmingly what I take away from my time on Substack. While I have the professional knowledge to understand the pettiness and cruelty, it still astounds me. I’m thankful that so many people, including you, are choosing to show up as the best of humanity. 💚 ✨
Yes, yes, and yes! 🐦🪄🍵
How’s it going so far?
Thanks, Lisa, and thanks for asking! I’m sticking with it, for the most part. Had a cup of coffee first thing a couple days ago and felt like my heart was going to explode. Good reminder to be extra gentle with my body, as well as my mind and spirit!
Are you doing anything new that’s helping you endure these difficult times? Or have you recommitted to any practices?
Oof, this is exactly the kind of response I have worried about when posting any suggestions for how to cope in the current political climate. I worry that reminders to ground ourselves, stay in the present, tolerate uncertainty, and consume the news mindfully will be interpreted as avoidance or minimizing what is happening. I've been trying to post despite the worries, and your words here will help me to continue to do so. Thank you!
Yeah, it doesn’t feel good to be met with those remarks, even when I intellectually understand where they come from. I completely understand your hesitancy!
At the same time, I’ve noticed how much of a difference these messages of encouragement can make. There are so many people who need reassurance that it’s okay (wise, even) to tend to ourselves in the midst of this situation. All of our everyday challenges, stressors, and crises are still happening at the same time as the bigger crisis unfolds. People want to see a variety of ways to make activism fit into their everyday lives. And they may need practical suggestions about how to take care of their health at the same time. When I focus on these people and not the people who are lashing out, I feel braver about speaking up.
Keep sharing as you’re able to, Amber! What you share makes a difference. There are people who are looking for just what you have to offer. 💚 ✨
I'm sorry you experienced cruel remarks in your note. I've had a couple of those, and as another sensitive and introvert, it does hurt. One was in ALL CAPS. Ouch! Staying true to what we know as our inner north star can be difficult in today's climate of aggression. Yet, it's the only way we can ultimately be a bearer of light and champions of goodwill. Thanks for sharing, Lori.
Thank you for sharing, Paulette. I'm sorry you've known this experience, too. And I'm sorry that WE are the kinds of people who are sorry that this happens to others, when everyone should want others to be spared that hurt. Humph. But I'm grateful for people like you, who continue to remain true to the values of light and goodwill. Even when I feel attacked, I don't feel alone. So thankful for your presence! 💚 ✨
dear Love as Lori, “even keel” is a strength in sailing rough waters, be they ocean or comments. what people put out into the world tells about who/how they are … thank you for reminding yourself and all of us to center and breathe to be in a healthy mode amidst chaos.
🙏🏼
Thank you for this lovely reminder! It takes so much energy to keep “righting the ship,” doesn’t it? I’m committed restoring myself to an even keel, and I hope you are, too. Appreciate the kindness and support! 💚 ✨
rethinking the keel. needing a surfboard.
thx for the circle yesterday 🙏🏼
The circle was my pleasure! 💚
And yeah, maybe a surfboard. Or just wings to fly above it all?
The pressure to be a 'certain kind of activist' is so real, and it can be suffocating. It's as if there's a mold we're all expected to fit into, and if we don't, we're somehow failing.
Lori, your article is a powerful reminder that we all have unique roles to play, and that self-acceptance is crucial for authentic action. We can't pour from an empty cup, and we can't truly make a difference if we're constantly at war with ourselves.
Thank you so much for your support and encouragement, Alex! 💚 ✨
As an outsider, I've noticed a lot of Americans are very reactive these days. I'm offering them metta because, well, I'm not really that surprised. I'd be afraid if I lived there too.
Thank you for your offering, Sky! We are all afraid, perhaps for different reasons. I wish that would bring people together. Hopefully cooler minds will begin to prevail soon. I'm grateful for your presence!
Lori, I suspect people who left aggressive comments are overwhelmed by fear. The chaos created by the new administration is intended to unground us and make us turn against one another in these ways. Thank you for sharing so vulnerably. If there is no room to care for ourselves, how will we survive to create a better world?
Thank you for your support, Sandra. I agree, fear can bring out the worst in us. And this whole climate is designed to distract from the real issues and protect the perpetrators in charge. We have to try to avoid taking the bait and turning on one another. And if that fails, each of us needs to take steps to preserve our ability to do do good in the world. It's a tall order, but I think you and I and many like us can do it! 💚 ✨
So sorry to hear that some people were so cruel. The meanness and hostility online are astonishing. I hope all the positive messages you received about your work offset the negative.
Thank you, Gail! I’m grateful for all your support and encouragement! And, yes, the support and positivity here are overwhelmingly what I take away from my time on Substack. While I have the professional knowledge to understand the pettiness and cruelty, it still astounds me. I’m thankful that so many people, including you, are choosing to show up as the best of humanity. 💚 ✨
I love your wisdom! Sorry that some people were jerks to you.
Thanks, Marina! It’s worth a tolerating some bad behavior to find kind, generous people like you along with way! 💚 ✨