Hi everyone, I am on a plane bound for Vietnam from Tokyo. A couple of announcements before we get started:
I’m taking my yearly summer break from this blog, so this will be the last post for a while. I’ll be back with a new post on August 19th.
Also, I’m switching to another platform [not sure which one, after hearing from some of you about how problematic Substack is] when I get back. WordPress has served its purpose, but it’s gotten increasingly frustrating to use, including the several months when it didn’t send out notices of new posts to anyone. Substack hopefully will take care of some of these problems. The old posts will remain here so you can access them anytime. New ones will be published on the new platform. If you subscribed by email, you’ll automatically be transferred over; feel free to unsubscribe later.
I’m still keeping everything free on the new platforms instead of limiting some content to paid subscribers. But thank you in advance to paid subscribers, both on Substack and on Patreon. Your support each month allows me financial security to speak my mind freely without worrying about being canceled and not being able to pay the bills.
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The last few days in Tokyo have been very fulfilling and exactly what I needed. I don’t want to romanticize Japan too much, as I know it has its share of challenges, but it’s just been nice to be in a society where the sense of responsibly to the collective community is so strong. People care for one another and for the environment. On the trains and everywhere there are constant reminders to be thoughtful about children, older adults, and disabled people. Traveling around with two relatively young kids is always challenging, but I don’t remember a time when I’ve felt this relaxed about their safety. It is such a contrast to the US, where each morning I send them off to school and pray there’s no mass shooting.
While here though, I couldn’t help but follow the news back home. The horrifying Supreme Court decisions, such as to limit the courts’ power to block the president’s destructive policies. The upcoming passage of the budget that will destroy safety nets for millions of the most vulnerable people while further enriching billionaires. It seems our work as a sector is cut out for us. I know many of us wish for organizations and movements to be obsolete, that we could “work ourselves out of a job.” That is a long-term vision we must hold on to.
And at the same time, our sector is more relevant than ever. Which means we need to figure out how to sustain ourselves. The last few months have been draining. The battles ahead are going to be difficult, and I see so many of my colleagues totally exhausted mentally and physically. Our sector has always carried more than its fair share–but now it feels like we’re holding everything. Here are a few self-care reminders I find grounding as I also prepare myself for what’s coming:
Use your vacation days: When the world feels like it’s on fire, it may seem indulgent to take time off. But it’s vital we take turns doing it. Taking time off allows us to recharge, build up energy, and clear our minds to be at our most effective.
Limit your news consumption: It’s been hard to avoid doomscrolling and reading about the myriad horrifying dumpster fire of cruelty and chaos Cheeto and his minions are unleashing. But allow yourself just enough to stay informed, but not enough to ruminate and fall into despair, as that helps no one.
Don’t waste time arguing with trolls: The rise to power of the worst of humanity has emboldened bullies and bigots even further. I’ve fallen into the traps of trying to argue with them about various things. Don’t do that; they want to wear you down. Block them and move on. Save your energy for people who engage in good faith.
Look for art, joy, and humor wherever you can: Watch your favorite shows, go to see a play, visit an art gallery. Being able to see what’s beautiful, joyful, and hilarious in our world is essential for keeping up our spirits. Make space for it and try not to feel guilty when you find yourself having a good time.
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