We have officially made it through the ten darkest weeks of the year. The days are finally getting longer and lighter.
Despite the extra light outside, I have been struggling to feel it inside. The challenge of remaining informed of all that is happening in the world, while not distracted or dark is very real.
I did three things this past week that made me feel better.
- A few days ago, as I sat down to work, my anxiety was too high from the non-stop news cycle to focus. The speed of policy changes and announcements are meant to overwhelm our systems, and I got caught up in it. I closed my computer and went to the mountains. Two hours later, I felt like I could focus again. This is not something that can be done every day, but creating work environments that encourage people to take breaks and care for themselves in the midst of this challenging time is critical for self-regulation and productivity.
- I took action. It has long been noted that action is the best antidote to anxiety. Earlier this week, I wrote a letter to express my disappointment that organizations in our community were hosting an event with an anti-LGBTQ2S+ speaker. This was in many ways, a small act, but it reminded me that I have a voice and that I need to use it. Importantly, it also connected me with someone I didn’t previously know and brought us together. Activism can be a source of both strength and community building.
- I grounded myself in my work, placing value on the efforts beyond the noise. I focused on the direct services and advocacy, and innovation and entrepreneurship of our grantee and investment partners. This has reminded me what is important and also given me energy and hope.
Over the course of the coming year, I intend to use this newsletter and other Foundation vehicles to highlight the ways in which communities are coming together to build, innovate and protect one another. Please share your stories – big and small – so we can learn from one another and celebrate together.
Warmly,
Mira