Feeling Anxious?
“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare." – Audre Lorde
Feeling Anxious About Tomorrow? You’re Not Alone.
I don't know if you've heard, but we have an election to get through here in the United States. One day left - and then many days after that for the results to be final.
Everyone I talk to is anxious. About what this election means for them, their families, friends, fellow Americans, the world, and this very precious and hard-fought prize of democracy.
The anxiety is real. There's nothing I can say that will make you less anxious. So how about some actions to take instead for reducing anxiety and increasing self-care, this week and every week after that?
1. Do What Fills You Up
What are your hobbies? What brings you joy? What calms you? Word games, logic puzzles, rock climbing, reading, gardening, music, crocheting, baking, spending time with family, acting, singing, exercise? Please note I did not put scrolling through social media and constantly refreshing your news website of choice. Fill your cup. Make some real time in your day/week/month to partake in the creative, physical, and intellectual activities that challenge you and heal you.
2. Stay Mindful
I know there is a lot of information out there these days about being mindful. I like to think of it as my way to remain connected and grateful for everything, even the sometimes mundane day-to-day of it all. It can be as simple as observing our thoughts, focusing on our breath, or engaging the different senses (sight, sound, smell, texture). In the stillness, there is peace.
3. Connection. Connection. Connection.
We are social creatures. We long for connection and social interaction. Being surrounded by people who lift us up and share in similar value systems can be so beneficial for self-care. Whether it's asking a colleague out for a coffee, calling up an old friend, or sharing your feelings with your family, we all grow from our interactions with others. And don't be afraid to ask for help. We ALL need help from time to time. Reach out to a support group or a professional if you are struggling.
No matter the election result, make sure you continue to take care of yourself. Practice self-compassion and be patient with your process; it will be different for each of us.
Be well, everyone.
Do the work
This week, I commit to focusing on self-care, finding the things that fill me up, seeking out connection, and being mindful in my day-to-day to combat stress.
Spread the Word
If you want to keep going
How to Communicate and Lead Across Differences
The work of inclusion requires all our commitment to deliver real change and we cannot move forward unless we have difficult conversations. But having those conversations without the right preparation can lead to anger, frustration, and the belief that tackling difference is not worth all the conflict it brings.
That’s where I come in.
Join me as we do a deep dive into how to communicate across identity groups. We will learn a step-by-step framework for communicating, and I’ll lead you through real-life scenarios that happen every day - talking about race, saying the wrong thing, discussing current events. Our goal? To build an organization where everyone knows how to communicate with empathy and equity.
