The news has been really difficult to watch lately, hasn't it? The reality of what's going on around us -- the way others are struggling -- is painful. I was drafting a post about mental illness in the wake of recent high-profile suicides, and now my heart is breaking for these families being cruelly separated at our nation's border.
I think I'm speaking to many of you when I recognize that you are trying to keep your head above water most days. Each of us has a battle we're facing -- maybe a sick parent, trying to make ends meet, children who need us every minute of the day, or anxiety. When we read about, listen to, or watch what's going on in the world, and right in our own country, no doubt our hearts ache and our minds race: how can this be happening and what can I do? It's easy to feel helpless. It's also easy to look away, to avoid the news because it's sad and it's hard.
But I believe there is always something we each can do. Even if it's something small. Even if you can't make it to a protest, or you don't have the means to donate money. Even if you simply can't take time away from work or your family to participate in a walk. Even if you're not on social media. Even if the people struggling seem far away.
I also believe that, despite these "even ifs,", we can each take a moment to recognize that while it's difficult to watch and digest what's going on, it is so much more difficult to be the people struggling.
Finally, I believe that no matter your political views, if you're reading this: we can agree on basic principles of humanity.
Thousands upon thousands of children being torn from their parents' arms (parents who are leaving everything and everyone they know in search of a better life for the very children who are being taken from them -- right here. Right here in our country.)
Suicide, mental health, bullying.
Shootings. Kids in danger.
So much more.
It's all hard. So what can we do? What can you do? What can I do?
Step 1: Repeat to yourself that you are not helpless. The worst thing we can do when facing tragedy, trials, or distressing news is throw up our hands and roll over. By saying "I can do something," and taking one small step, you not only benefit others but your mental health benefits, as well. Doing things for others not only helps those people, it is empowering. And empowering yourself creates an energy that will help you take the next step after your first.
Step 2: Find resources. Sometimes it's easiest to start locally.
5 Things You Can Do About Family Separation: https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/things-you-can-do-fight-family-separation-trump-immigration-w521691
Ending Gun Violence: https://everytown.org/act/
Suicide Prevention: https://afsp.org/take-action/
Mental Illness Support: https://www.nami.org/Find-Support/Family-Members-and-Caregivers
Step 3: Keep your eye on the big picture: in the end, we are all in this together. We are all alive, together, sharing a planet as our home. We are all the same species, no matter where we're from or where we live.
Take care of each other. Take care of yourselves.
I think I'm speaking to many of you when I recognize that you are trying to keep your head above water most days. Each of us has a battle we're facing -- maybe a sick parent, trying to make ends meet, children who need us every minute of the day, or anxiety. When we read about, listen to, or watch what's going on in the world, and right in our own country, no doubt our hearts ache and our minds race: how can this be happening and what can I do? It's easy to feel helpless. It's also easy to look away, to avoid the news because it's sad and it's hard.
But I believe there is always something we each can do. Even if it's something small. Even if you can't make it to a protest, or you don't have the means to donate money. Even if you simply can't take time away from work or your family to participate in a walk. Even if you're not on social media. Even if the people struggling seem far away.
I also believe that, despite these "even ifs,", we can each take a moment to recognize that while it's difficult to watch and digest what's going on, it is so much more difficult to be the people struggling.
Finally, I believe that no matter your political views, if you're reading this: we can agree on basic principles of humanity.
Thousands upon thousands of children being torn from their parents' arms (parents who are leaving everything and everyone they know in search of a better life for the very children who are being taken from them -- right here. Right here in our country.)
Suicide, mental health, bullying.
Shootings. Kids in danger.
So much more.
It's all hard. So what can we do? What can you do? What can I do?
Step 1: Repeat to yourself that you are not helpless. The worst thing we can do when facing tragedy, trials, or distressing news is throw up our hands and roll over. By saying "I can do something," and taking one small step, you not only benefit others but your mental health benefits, as well. Doing things for others not only helps those people, it is empowering. And empowering yourself creates an energy that will help you take the next step after your first.
Step 2: Find resources. Sometimes it's easiest to start locally.
5 Things You Can Do About Family Separation: https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/things-you-can-do-fight-family-separation-trump-immigration-w521691
Ending Gun Violence: https://everytown.org/act/
Suicide Prevention: https://afsp.org/take-action/
Mental Illness Support: https://www.nami.org/Find-Support/Family-Members-and-Caregivers
Step 3: Keep your eye on the big picture: in the end, we are all in this together. We are all alive, together, sharing a planet as our home. We are all the same species, no matter where we're from or where we live.
Take care of each other. Take care of yourselves.
I couldn't agree more with this.
ReplyDelete<3 <3
DeleteThis is a really brave, intelligent and well written post. As we do, you in the US have a lot of complex first world issues, and life is now moving so fast that legislation and activism struggles to catch up with our changing world. You have a great history in the US of public activism and grassroots movements - we tend to be lazier here these days! Saying that politics is less polarised and a lot of issues aren't as sensitive to discuss. We don't have huge lobby groups with a lot of power muddying the waters as much (we do at EU level but not as much at national level). I really applaud you encouraging people to engage in issues that matter - empowerment in our own lives and our national lives (if that is our calling) can only make us happier and healthier xx BTW I've linked to your blog twice in tomorrow's blog post, I hope you don't mind!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this, friend. Truly! I always really look forward to and value hearing your perspective and I was actually secretly hoping you'd weigh in here. I find it fascinating to learn about how things "work" where you live, and I couldn't agree more with what you say here. "Life is now moving so fast that legislation and activism struggles to catch up with our changing world" -- YES. Thanks again for being a part of the discussion and for linking, I'm honored.
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