Hard Truth:

Thanks to the current state of the world, I’ve been in “fix it” mode. I can talk, repost, and spiral all day long. But what I want to do— what I’m TOLD to do— is take action. And boy, have I been trying.

I call my reps. I stay informed. I have volunteered. And now I’m close to burn out.

That’s not to mention I have three jobs and I’m a mother. Life is just A LOT. And here’s the thing, I keep seeking out doing MORE. WHY?

It’s so hard to tell yourself to stop, to not do something, especially when it’s something that matters to you. This Hard Truth comes from my deep longing to do a bumper substack weekly called The Weekly Agenda, where I could explain one portion of discourse (IE: Immigration, branches of government, important of SSRIs etc) while then reminding us what action we can take with a gentle reminder how to take care of ourselves during this time. I want to do it so bad. I want to help educate and remind everyone to keep fighting while also (most importantly) showing ways we can touch grass and feed our soul when the world wants to suck it out.

But it will take time. Time I cannot give.

And I’ve spoken to more and more people that are generally overwhelmed by life right now. And it’s important to understand that as much as we want to help and fix and participate in our kids activities and support our friends and, and, and…. time is finite. We cannot get anymore. So we need to utilize it, which means also not doing all the things.

Do I have this Hard Truth perfected? No. Is it possible to say no to certain things? No— we have jobs and need to make money. But setting boundaries when possible of how much to give to all facets of your life is important. I wish you luck, and I’ll tell you when I find the secret sauce to doing it all. Because lord knows I’m trying to do it.

News/Links:

This isn’t just one news item— it’s a whole (short) podcast and the way I’ve been starting my day and keeping my intake of the clusterfuc% that is our news cycle minimally invasive in my life.

Speaking of limiting news- I’ve deactivated my account and generally follow only one “news” correspondent on socials now. I’m not burying my head in the sand, I’m protecting my peace. News Not Noise helps with that.

TW Abortion content, but I really think this is a powerful read to stay informed on how Roe is affecting a “safe state” provider.

Things I Love:

Have I linked this already? My bad if so. I just LOVE this candle so much.

I don’t own this but still imagine all the places I’d wear it. Waiting for it to pop up on Poshmark.

When you go to Costco, do yourself a favor and pick up some of these.

The way I need this dress for no reason at all

Book Recommendations

Books about the mother’s experience.

ALL FOURS, Miranda July

SANDWICH, Catherine Newman

NIGHTBITCH, by Rachel Yoder

LIKE MOTHER, LIKE MOTHER, Susan Riegar

MOTHERTHING, by Ainslie Hogarth