The Intersection of Resistance and Grace
We're figuring this out as we go
In the last newsletter issue, I shared that I was doing a “social media fast.”
With the recent inauguration this week, I knew it would be better for my mental health to check out as much as possible while still getting work done.
The plan was to go an entire week, and it’s been much easier than I anticipated. I should also clarify that I wanted to avoid the Meta apps primarily.
I deleted Twitter (yep, I still won’t call it X) a few months ago. I don’t enjoy LinkedIn and haven’t been on Pinterest in years. I’ll admit that I’ve popped into TikTok a couple of times, but whatever shenanigans they’re doing to keep it around or buy it, it already feels different.
The hardest part of this has been Substack notes.
I follow and subscribe to many independent journalists on Substack, and because of my engagement, their content is primarily what appears in my feed.
Which isn’t super helpful if I’m trying to take a break for a week.
My intention in doing this is to reset, get back in alignment with my values, and move from a place of “toward” instead of “against.”
Which I believe is what all of the independent journalists are doing, too… it just looks different for them.
I’m in awe of people who can be in the thick of politics and stay the course. This is one of the (many) reasons I love Gloria Steinem so much.
She speaks with such calm confidence… it gives me hope.
And move toward, we must.
In a conversation with my therapist yesterday, she said one simple thing that in and of itself is a form of resistance. She said, “He’s so full of hate, and I refuse to be anything like him.”
Even though I’ve heard that love is a form of resistance, I think I needed to hear that for it to sink in.
Navigating this level of anger and rage is new to me - I also realize that to make it to 54 without feeling this level of injustice is undoubtedly a privilege.
This is probably also why I feel such a profound responsibility regarding this newsletter, my business plans, and how I move through the world.
I’ve had to lean into my “go-to” resources for getting back into alignment. These include simple practices like meditating, journaling, getting outside, talking to people who help me remember who I am at my core, and finding joy in the little things (my dog 🐶… seriously… the unconditional love of a pet is priceless).
While I feel 100% more aligned than earlier this week, I know it’s a process, not an event.
That’s where grace comes in.
Taking time away from consuming content about the state of the world doesn’t mean I’m giving up or burying my head in the sand (and zero judgment to anyone who needs to do that. We have to put our own oxygen masks on first).
It means I’m better to everyone else when I operate from a place of love, and that starts with showing myself love.
It means doubling down on contributing to and supporting women in changing their money stories and beliefs, providing resources, and being a voice for good. When we have money, we have a choice.
There will be days when that feels heavy and other days when everything flows effortlessly.
It’s the heavy days when I’ll lean into grace and trust that it’s all part of the resistance.
Resistance is…
Not living in fear
Not living in anger and rage
Continuing to believe in what matters
This doesn’t mean I won’t feel these things at times, but I know they won’t stick around too long.
I always think back to what Fred Rogers (i.e., Mr. Rogers) said about what his mother told him:
“Look for the helpers. There are always people that are helping.”
Lastly, to borrow from something Oprah says…
‘What I know for sure’ is that we will do this together.
I’m rooting for all of us. 💕