What Next?: A Guide
I’ve had so many conversations over the past week and have noticed a recurring pattern - so many of us want to do something. But what?
As I said last week, we need time to grieve and process. Whatever is to come will be relentless, challenging, overwhelming. This is our time to prepare. Here are some suggestions for how to do so.
Create/strengthen your care infrastructure.
💚 Who are the people you will be in contact and community with regularly?
💚 What will be your touchstones for routine physical and mental care? (for example, a 30-min walk; therapy; weekly calls to mom)
💚 Which “bibles” will you turn to for inspiration and hope? (Mine are Black Liturgies, Undrowned, Braiding Sweetgrass)
Clean up the clutter.
✏️ Stay away from people and activities that are a drag on your energy/time.
✏️Take care of personal business so it doesn’t burden you past Jan (think unpaid bills, ignored health issues).
✏️ Do the joyous thing that you have been postponing, whether it’s a trip to see a friend or visit to family (or whatever you put off).
Clarify how YOU can best engage.
🤔 Are you a storyteller or disrupter? Healer or visionary? Find out here. You can’t do everything so focus on how YOU are best positioned to have impact.
🤔 What will be your sources for news so you can avoid overload but still be informed?
🤔 If you don’t already have avenues to be engaged/involved, connect to social justice and community organizations that offer opportunities for engagement.
We will need all our strength, resolve and hope in the years to come. Now is the time to fill up the tank and get in formation.
Much love,
Sayu