Always a Glass Half Full

Hi everyone,

Another Week, Another Crisis: The State of America and Me. If you’re feeling anything like I am, I know you’re experiencing an inexplicable, deep-seated level of fatigue. This is induced by a political climate that is hell-bent on destroying all of us; the worst part is that we just made it through week two. Every day, we’re being body slammed into another political firestorm that none of us asked for, and even though we keep trying to tap out, someone grabs us by the leg and pulls us back in. We’re in a knockdown drag-out fight for our lives, so the fatigue is real, and so many of us are already over it.

Unsplash

Despite the constant turmoil, communities across the country continue to fight back against those seeking to take away our human rights. Whether through protests, mutual aid networks, or pushing for legislative change, people are resisting the normalization of corruption and incompetence. I am proud of us for building resistance, but resistance can be exhausting. This is where self-care is a requirement.

Self-Care in the Time of Chaos

Last week, I had to call a time-out. I decided to delete every social media app from my phone except for Substack. I was experiencing notification anxiety along with a general weariness that left my spirit depleted. I couldn’t internalize any more disappointment and heartbreak with what had been happening, so I decided to detach from everything for 24 hours. In times like this, self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity.

Here are a few tips to help and encourage you to take care of yourself:

1. Set Boundaries with News Consumption: Stay informed, but take breaks from the 24-hour news cycle to protect your mental well-being.

2. Find Community Support: Engaging with like-minded individuals can provide emotional strength and strategic resilience.

3. Prioritize Mental and Physical Health: Engage in activities that bring joy, whether it’s meditation, exercise, or creative expression.

4. Use Your Voice Wisely: Speak up when and where you can, but recognize that self-preservation is also an act of resistance.

5. Celebrate Small Wins: Change happens incrementally. Recognizing victories—no matter how small—keeps morale high and momentum going.

   
   

Can you love your body — and still want to change it?

Gabriella Lascano/Ted

I had the pleasure of watching Gabriella Lascano a strong advocate of body positivity present her TedTalk on the subject of Can you love your body — and still want to change it? In the most vulnerable and authentic way, she talks about the disenfranchisement of fat people, but also toxic body positivity that restricts many like herself. After the loss of a friend due to obesity, she realized that loving herself required honesty, accountability, and making healthier lifestyle choices. It was a refreshing perspective.

Ageism Hurts All of Us

Character Liza Miller of the show Younger

Before binge-watching “Younger” I have been thinking a lot about ageism. As a woman in my early 40s, I think about how much we can all accomplish in a society that doesn’t restrict us based on our age. Ageism harms all of us in ways that reinforce discrimination and impact mental well-being.

As someone who has interacted with children since I was 19, you will be surprised to find out that behaviors that lead to ageism start from a very young age. Have you ever spoken to a child or teenager who responds to you in a sometimes sarcastic, know-it-all way, especially regarding technology? This stereotyping in many settings is harmful to everyone. People report ageism starting as early as 35, but generally around 40. It usually worsens as you age, especially in societies that overvalue youth.

In many ways, I am grateful for the efforts of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that strive to protect older populations. I also strongly encourage that we all examine our biases and change how we view the aging population. We will all get there eventually.

Libraries Will Never go Out of Style

At our local library enjoying a game of checkers, books and friends

I have been taking my girls to the library since they were babies. It is a great resource for learning and fun. The first place I looked for after moving was our local library. We make it there at least once a week to enjoy all the perks of being library card holders—reading clubs, free museum passes, holiday events, science classes and so much more. I am always amazed by why more kids aren’t at the library, because it is truly a place of joy.

There are not very many public spaces that are truly free in American society. Most places are “pay to participate” making libraries one of the last places in modern society that is free for everyone. It plays a significant role in breaking down barriers of race, socioeconomic status, religion, and political beliefs. It is the one place that truly brings us all together.

Are you taking your little ones and older ones to the library this week?

A Little Laughter

Last month, I shared a little chat between my daughter and I that seemed to garner a bit of interest, but I thought it could apply to life in general. Even as adults, we forget the impact that our voice has on creating change.

Threads post from Aubre in Between

Until next time, take care of yourself and laugh a little.

(Photos: Fairy Lake Bonsai Tree/Bluesky251/Flickr, Gabriela Lascano/Ted, Younger/Stan)