When Everything Blows
How to Survive The Depressing News Cycle
We aren’t kids anymore. We know that life isn’t fair. But honestly, how much disappointment can we take?
The US has a long-standing record of undermining basic human rights, but for a minute there I really felt like we were making strides. Maybe in my lifetime, America was going to come through on the long empty promise to be the home of the free.
Instead on June 24th, America decided to America again and launch into a human rights counterrevolution. Womb-bearing people and intersectional folks everywhere that know a threat to freedom when they see it have subsequently been grieving, wondering what rights will be snatched away next.
If you are frustrated/disgusted with the hypocrisy you are hearing in pro-life rhetoric - I hear you.
If you are feeling unsafe, that makes sense. If you are feeling a mix of heartbreak and rage -you are in good company. We’ve had less than a month to process this life-altering development. I offer you 4 things to consider trying to help yourself through.
Sit with what is. On a level, we know that things are never universally terrible, but to function, we need to accept the reality that we’ve been living in the middle of a dumpster fire for the last 5 years and the hits keep coming. We need to take the time to grieve and grapple with the reality that not all is lost but things are not ok. Recognize that it’s okay to feel anxious and nervous. Allow yourself quiet time to sit with what is a few times a day.
Talk to someone with similar values about how you’re feeling. It can be overwhelming to go through loss alone. Share your experience and enjoy the support of community with like-minded people. Put draining relationships on the back burner and focus on spending time with people that make you feel seen and heard. It can be hard to be around people who are ambivalent about news that feels deeply personal to you. If you can’t physically be near people that get it, seek out virtual reminders that you're not alone.
Take joy breaks. Deliberately engage in activities that make you happy. This will look different for everyone. For me it looks like hanging out at animal rescues and watching cartoons with my cats. Rest and restoration make liberation work sustainable. We don’t have to feel guilty for not suffering or raging against the machine 24-7. Pushing ourselves to fight the power nonstop is a surefire way to burn ourselves out. Enjoy your revolutionary rest.
That time I made friends with a sloth and my soul left my body from sheer joy 
I mean look at that little face! Take action. Dedicate a portion of your time to actively opposing systems of oppression in ways that support your bandwidth. If you feel called to center your energy on reproductive rights, https://www.prochoiceamerica.org/ has several calls to action for you to choose from.
Resources and Upcoming Hangouts
https://www.moxie-mind.com/counseling-skills-for-dietitians-who-give-a-damn
✨New BIPOC Resource from Steven Wakabayashi of Mindful Moments ✨
Thu, July 28 - BIPOC Creative Seminar (Getting beyond creative blockages)
Black Futures Lab is conducting a survey about the unique needs and dreams of the Black community. Black Census Questionnaire 2022
In case You Missed It
The Deep Dive is a culture and insights podcast with Philip McKenzie, an anthropologist who uses his expertise in culture to advise organizations on how best to thrive in an increasingly challenging and uncertain environment. Every week, Philip goes below the surface with the people who matter the most.
In this episode Philip and I look at the historical roots of our cascading health crisis, how it intersects with racism and capitalism, and dissect the challenges and limitations of the wellness industry for people of color and the LGBTQA+ community.
