I knew back in July that I was going to take some time away from all things Zoom and basically anything that didn't make my internal joy meter twitch.
And for the most part, I've been able to do it.
When I haven't been recuperating by cocooning away, I've been trying to care and advocate for people I adore from afar.
Often through text, email, or limited phone conversations that add on several more layers of frustration to every situation.
And it's hard.
I suspect I don't really have to tell you that at this stage of the pandemic.
Whatever level of exhaustion, frustration, anger, sadness, overwhelm, [insert your own random feeling here], you're at, I want to share something that reminded me how I've been able to keep putting one foot in front of the other.
Even on the days when all I've wanted was for someone to bring me chocolate and caramel-covered apple slices while I zone out in my blanket fort.
Be a helper.
You know I've said this before.
And Cleo Wade shared this recently (read the caption too) and it made me recognize the various ways that I can and do help.
Especially if my help feels small and insignificant.
And when I fuck it up. Remember impact is always more important than any of your intentions!
It's also made me realize what else I can do... that's within my means and when I have the capacity to do so.
I'll never advocate for anyone being a martyr so when you're checking in with yourself to see if there's more you can do, please keep your capacity, resources, and saviour complex in mind.
For instance...
My e-transfers have helped people:
secure childcare so their kids are safe while they do work that's important to them.
keep themselves housed.
get out of jail because they never should have been in one in the first place.
feed themselves and their loved ones.
do whatever the hell they need/want to do to survive in this world.
I don't have the financial means to ride a big ol' vibrator into outer space like some billionaires, but if I did, I like to think that I'd use the money to help people thrive rather than just barely survive by contributing my micro amounts to help cover immediate needs.
Sending text messages has helped people feel a little less alone even while they're lying by themselves in a hospital bed wondering when they'll be able to go home. (And I'm ever so grateful that these were both a "when" not an "if" situation.)
Sharing cat videos has helped people enjoy a moment of relief. Don't miss this one.
Then there's connecting people with resources, websites, and organizations that can offer them the kind of care I can't while we're trying to navigate current and horrific events.
And remember wearing a mask when you can't keep your distance from people (and especially indoors) still helps too... no matter how many doses you've got in. (With two doses in me, but still very much immunocompromised, I thank you in advance for this one.)
Now, back to that Zoom rule I mentioned at the beginning.
I've made one exception to being on Zoom and that's for the very first live bonus session for Exploring Creative Connection Through Visual Journaling.
The new course is up and running and always ready for you to join.
A few times a year, enrolled participants get a chance to come together with me and create in community.
And our first one is happening on August 29, 2021! (The day before my birthday so it's gonna be extra fun!)