I’m Digging Deep Here

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I gotta be honest with you. I’ve been struggling to come up with any inspiration or insight for you this week.  My head and heart are feeling pretty cluttered.

With all that’s going on in the world, you likely need a ray of hope.

So do I, my friend, so do I.

As I witness the social media posts, online conversations, and news reports about the radical changes happening in my country that are stripping people’s rights away and moving toward a minority-led pseudo theocracy, I can’t help but think of Martin Niemöller’s words:

“First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Trade Unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.”

I keep coming back to the question, “What can I do?” and I know the first important move is to take exceptional care of my heart and soul.

But it ain’t easy because it doesn’t feel like enough.

Then I remind myself that this is a marathon and not a sprint and in order to run 26.2 miles, one must train. So while those days in the gym feel far away from completing the race, they’re a vital part of making it all the way.

If you’re feeling similarly — tired from all the fighting, anger, and political misrepresentation, rest and train, my friend. We’re going to need all hands on deck.

I’ll share what I’ve been doing to find some hope and motivation, but I’ll warn you, it’s taking some real fortitude.

• I’m giving myself permission to feel all the feelings. (It’s still a work in progress.)
• I’m no longer stuffing anything down in fear of eye rolls or judgment.
• I’m digesting information from aligned sources — those who are equally sensitive but also have the fight in them. (I strongly recommend Episode 108 of Glennon Doyle’s podcast “We Can Do Hard Things.”)
• I’m working hard to decrease my doom scrolling.
• I’m beefing up my belief in myself to stand even stronger in the face of adversity.
• And I’m setting firmer and firmer boundaries to stop clutter at the door.

I believe some of the most important stuff to clear is anything that dims our light, whether that’s toxic relationships, sensationalized news stories, or politicians and leaders who make decisions in opposition of the majority.

I’m not saying the job is easy, but I know it’s gonna be worth it.

If you, too, can feel alone in your angst and struggle (about anything), please know that I see you and I’ll continue to do my best to bring hope, inspiration, and action plans to you.

After all, the better we take care of ourselves, the better we’ll be able to navigate whatever tough roads lie ahead.